Manager Kevin Watson felt some big calls went against Herne Bay in their derby defeat to Folkestone - but refused to openly criticise the officials.

Winger Mason Saunders-Henry put Bay ahead at Winch’s Field in front of a crowd of 593 before Invicta's top scorer Ade Yusuff equalised thanks to a debated penalty at the end of the first half.

While striker Ibrahim Olutade put Invicta in front after the restart, a whole host more calls went against strugglers Bay, with skipper Laurence Harvey having a dramatic late equaliser ruled out.

On why defender Harvey’s last-gasp leveller had been disallowed, Watson said: “Apparently, it was offside.

“I’m not going to get enticed into blaming officials. They have a difficult job and I wouldn’t do it.

“I could be critical of them, they could be critical of my tactics and my coaching, couldn’t they?

“It’s frustrating and I do think there are some decisions which I’ll have to watch back.

• Report: Herne Bay 1-2 Folkestone

“But I always find when managers blame decisions on results… Over the course of 95 minutes, if you deserve to win a game, I like to think you would do.”

Watson, a former Folkestone player, added: “Going into the game, I said Folkestone are a strong, well-established club and team at this level.

"They have got a lot of firepower in their armoury and I don’t think there was loads in the game if I’m completely honest.

“I thought parts of our game were good, other parts can always be improved.

“I feel slightly aggrieved I think with the result, not necessarily losing because it’s losing to Folkestone Invicta, I don’t think there’s any shame in that in itself.

“I just feel with the way the game went - and some quite big decisions and moments in the game - don’t sit well with me.”

On-loan frontman Tushaun Tyreece-Walters, striker Kymani Thomas and Che Krabbendam all had penalty appeals waved away by referee Mr Nick Dunn.

But Bay’s boss took a philosophical view, saying: “Their players thought that their penalty was a penalty, our players thought it wasn’t.

“Probably, ours thought our couple of penalty shouts were penalties, their players probably thought they weren’t. Their management thought the opposite to me. That’s the way life works, unfortunately!

“I’m just a little bit frustrated because I thought we put enough energy and desire, and some decent football into the game, to maybe get more out of it than we have.”

Watson also explained why versatile full-back Harrison Hatfull - a recent signing from rivals Margate - has left the club before even making a competitive appearance!

He said: “He’s no longer with the club, which was his decision.”

Second-bottom Bay start 2023 at third-placed Cray Wanderers on Monday, January 2.