Sam Denly says Danny Williams deserves a regular spot at Herne Bay.

The 26-year-old striker scored the FA Cup winner against Ryman League, Division 1 South rivals East Grinstead on Saturday to earn his side another home tie, against Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 Central side Ashford Town (Middx) in the first qualifying round on Saturday week and the prospect of a £3,000 pay day.

Boss Denly said: “Danny has established himself as a key player for me – 99% of the time if he is fit, he plays. He is a big asset.”

He added: “We should have been 3-0 up in the first 20 minutes, the windy conditions played their part and ruined the game. It was an workmanlike performance, we won the game, kept a clean sheet and are through to the next round – job done.”

“The revenue is important to clubs like us and you do feel under a little bit of pressure.

“Ashford will be a little bit of an unknown quantity, so I am planning to have them watched (at home to Aylesbury) on Saturday.”

Denly confirmed that defender Joe Kennett has returned to the club on dual registration terms from neighbours Whitstable, while defender Harry Brown has moved to Belmont, initially on a month’s loan.

Bay will be without goalkeeper Jack Delo, Nathan Eastwood and skipper Liam Quinn who are all unavailable for the visit of Whyteleafe on Saturday.

Under-21 youngster Toby Wood is set to make his first team debut as Delo’s replacement. All three return for the Bank Holiday Monday trip to Faversham.