Sam Denly has heaped praise on his Herne Bay squad for their loyalty.

These are testing times at Winch’s Field, with every point vital in the battle to preserve their Ryman League, Division 1 South status.

The Herne Bay boss lost the services of Taser Hassan and Kane Phillip last week to rivals Horsham and Sittingbourne respectively but has only admiration for the ones still there.

He said: “The 10 or 11 boys who have stayed deserve all the accolades.

"I am committed to being here for the rest of the season and they will be here as well.”

Denly is also vowing to give his under-21 players more chances between now and the end of the campaign.

They may be unknown outside the club but he says with things so tight financially, they will get an opportunity.

He said: “Darnell Weise and Umanu Mansaray came off the bench at Walton Casuals, made a difference and staked their claim.

“With resources so limited, they will be used when we need them. Femi Apantaku, Izzy Adebayo and Caleb Afoke are three others who have all been involved as well.”

Denly hailed the comeback on Saturday from being 4-1 down at Casuals to draw 4-4 as one of the best he has witnessed and admitted he hadn’t seen it coming.

He said: “The game looked dead and buried. We went there with a depleted squad but it shows the strength of character and determination we have in the squad.”

Denly was disappointed Bay couldn’t follow it up with maximum points against Three Bridges on Tuesday night, a game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

He said: “It was one point gained at Walton but two points dropped in midweek.

"It was another excellent performance, we could have been two or three up but missed chances cost us.”

Ian Pulman made a surprise return to the side, having said his farewells a couple of weeks ago.

Denly added: “I spoke to him during the week. He played 70-odd minutes and is keen to help out the club when he can but I don’t know if he will be involved on Saturday.”

Bay host East Grinstead on Saturday, with the visitors a point ahead of them, having played a game more.

Connor Sanders is suspended, while injuries look set to rule out Chris Elliott and Joe Nelder.

“Joe is struggling with a groin injury and may not be available for the foreseeable future,” said Denly.

Bay travel to Cray Wanderers next Wednesday (7.45pm).