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Ben Smith reckons Herne Bay need to treat their derby against Whitstable as ‘just another game’ if they are serious about earning promotion.
With Bay having not played since December 14, they will return to action for the first time in more than two weeks on New Year’s Day at Winch’s Field while the Oystermen will aim to respond after their 2-1 loss to Ashford on Boxing Day.
Smith has been doing his bit, in a bid to attract a bumper crowd for the match.
“The club statistician said that 730 is the biggest Herne Bay v Whitstable attendance since both clubs have both promoted into the Isthmian League,” said the Bay manager.
“So, our plan is to beat that attendance. We’ve done a bit of marketing.
“We have handed out tickets randomly through people’s houses, doing a letter drop sort of thing.
“So hopefully, if they are lucky enough to get a free ticket for the derby, they will use it.”
Herne Bay are ninth in Isthmian South East with games in hand on most, while Whitstable are 11th.
“I have been with both sides. I’ve been at Whitstable before, and now, it’s the other way around,” said Smith.
“It’s an exciting game and the fans are, obviously, looking forward to it.
"It’s the one game a season where they are desperate to get a win.
“But I think we are better off treating it as just another game, really.
“If we are going to have aspirations of promotion, not necessarily this season but going forwards, then it’s got to be treated as just another game.
“If all we are playing for (every season) is a game against Whitstable, then we are always going to be in the same league as Whitstable, and it’s the same for them.
“I have a lot of respect for (Whitstable manager) Lloyd Blackman, he’s done well there, and they are a side that is developing week on week.
“It’s not an easy game by any stretch of the imagination.”
Smith added: “As much as I’m with Herne Bay, it’s still nice to see that two local clubs aren’t struggling in this league.
“Who knows? Hopefully, the pair of us can get into the play-offs.
"But, probably, only one of us is going to get a chance of being there.
“So, a game like the one on New Year’s Day is going to be really crucial.”
Bay continue their league programme away to Cray Valley on Saturday.
