by Craig Tucker

Simon Halsey has some thinking to do after a number of trialists impressed in Herne Bay’s Bruce Smith Shield match at Whitstable on Tuesday night.

But Bay will be starting the season without defender Toby Ashmore who became the fourth player this summer to quit Winch’s Field for Faversham.

Bay lost on penalties to Town after goals from Tom Bryant and Adam Woolcott secured a 2-2 draw.

Tom Parker, Brad King and Ashley Baverstock all missed from the spot, with Bryant the only man on target.

But the result was irrelevant for Halsey who used the match to look at a host of new faces.

The Bay boss (pictured) said: "We got exactly what we wanted out of the game. I used mainly trialists, like I said I would, and they proved themselves to be capable footballers.

"Me and Hugo Langton (Bay No 2) have some hard decisions to make over the weekend.

"We want to get the squad down to 18-20. Whoever we let go, it won’t be because they’re bad players.

"It’s a case of them being nearly there but not quite what we’re looking for.

"Even then, it’s not necessarily all over for them. They could train with us or play for the reserves so there’s still an opportunity to part of the club."

Do you think Bay can prosper despite the loss of another player to Faversham? Have your say below.