Prolific Herne Bay striker Michael Salako is on course for 30 goals this season.

That’s the verdict of boss Steve Lovell after Salako’s hat-trick in their 3-1 Isthmian South East home win over Broadbridge Heath last weekend took him to 20 goals for the campaign.

Lovell said: “He’s there at the right time and always gets on the end of things.

“The boys have a bit of a laugh that he’s always in that box - but that’s where he should be.

“That’s 20 goals for the season now and we still have 13 games to go. He could get to that 30-goal mark.

“Kane [Rowland] is on nine, as well. Between the two of them, they have nearly got 30 already. Hopefully, they can get some more.”

To have made it to the 20-goal mark is impressive for any forward.

Herne Bay hat-trick hero makes team-of-the-week

But what makes former Brightlingsea, Corinthian-Casuals, Tooting & Mitcham and Bowers player Salako’s record even more impressive is the fact he only joined Herne Bay from Maldon & Tiptree in September.

“He has done it in quick time,” admitted Lovell. “That was Mike’s second hat-trick of the season on Saturday.

“He will say that he’s missed a few but it just shows the way we’re creating things.

“We’re always keen to create chances and tend to score a few goals. Early on in the season, we were conceding a few as well but we’re looking a bit more solid.

“The goal difference is going up and, hopefully, will keep going up.

“That could be important come the end of the season.”

Salako bagged his first in front of a crowd of 425 at Winch’s Field on seven minutes, adding his second early in the second half. Although Broadbridge Heath pulled one back, Salako sealed the win on 77 minutes.

Lovell reflected: “We played quite well throughout, really, and created a few chances.

“We were very comfortable at 2-0 and then they got a goal, which gave them a bit of a lift.

“They’re not a bad side. They’re quite direct and play for free-kicks, and have a guy who can throw the ball miles.

“We created a number of opportunities and could have had a few more on another day but I would have taken that before the game.”

The result means Bay have picked up 19 points from eight matches in 2024.

“It’s a good run,” said Lovell. “But like I said before Saturday’s game, all that hard work counts for nothing when you go into your next game. This Saturday is another big game.

“We know the teams around us will be playing each other, but we just have to focus on ourselves.”

With the points in the bag, Lovell was also able to introduce forward Jack Richards off the substitutes’ bench for his first senior appearance since October.

“Jack has worked hard to get himself back fit,” noted Lovell. “It was lovely to put him on.

“He’s a big part of our squad when he’s fit.

“Hopefully, he will keep clear of everything now.

“He can have a big say for us between now and the end of the season.”

But leaving is experienced midfielder Mo Kamara, who has switched a promotion bid for a battle for survival as he rejoins Isthmian Premier Margate.

Lovell explained: “We have brought in Scott Heard, who is a very good replacement.

“Mo was offered a really good deal at Margate. We couldn’t stand in his way.

“They wanted him the week before - he decided to stay - but then they came back with an offer he couldn’t refuse. We wish him the best.

“It’s always hard losing players, especially ones that have done well, but if they’re not on contract, they’re quite entitled to go.”

Bay host basement boys Beckenham this Saturday.