Sam Denly says Lee Browning’s influence could be a major factor as Herne Bay head towards the business end of the season.

The 28-year-old scored his first goal for the club in the 4-1 win at Walton & Hersham, and the Herne Bay boss revealed the midfielder had been on a list of targets as long ago as last summer.

Denly said: “Lee was my man-of-the-match on Saturday, he has been there and done it and brings a lot of quality and experience at this level.

“Lee might be the last piece in the jigsaw, but has been on my radar since we first spoke in pre-season, but he hasn’t be able to commit before due to work."

“He has been in and around us though, been at a few games and knows some of the boys including Mark Lovell and Danny Walder.”

Two Walton own-goals in the space of seven minutes just after half-time provided the spark Bay needed before Browning and Connor Sanders capped a good afternoon at Stompond Lane as Bay recorded back-to back wins to move fourth in the Ryman League, Division 1 South table.

“The next month is very important, making sure we continue to pick up points and stay in contention, setting ourselves up for the run-in," said Denly.

Bay host Peacehaven & Telscombe at Winch’s Field on Saturday before travelling to Tooting next Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

The trip to Chatham, postponed on Tuesday night, has been re-arranged for Tuesday, February 23.