Herne Bay’s blank weekend has left manager Sam Denly with mixed feelings.

An early exit from the FA Cup means Bay don’t play on Saturday, giving their injured players an extra few days to recover.

But Denly, who was frustrated by their preliminary round defeat to Eastbourne United, would rather his side were playing.

He said: “It’s a hard one. We do have four or five lads who are carrying injuries and this gives them a chance to recover.

“I’d happily have a game and it’s not ideal that we don’t but it gives the lads another week off so it can also help.

“We’ll be in training on Saturday. It will be a hard session. One thing we have been this season is fit and that will continue.”

Bay’s next game is a Kent Senior Cup tie at home to Ramsgate on Tuesday night.

It is the last of the seven first-round fixtures to be played, with the winners travelling to Whitstable in the last-16.

Denly said: “First and foremost, I’ll be looking to win the game. I want to do well in all competitions.

“I’ve got lads coming back from injury and may give them some minutes as well.

“It’s another big game for us and I want to progress into the next round.”

Tom Axford left the club by mutual consent this week, having been an unused substitute in four of Bay’s first five games.

Bay, who drew 1-1 at Hythe Town on Wednesday, aren’t back in Ryman League Division 1 South action until September 21, when Eastbourne Town visit Winch’s Field.