Backroom team disrupted

Coach Tim Dixon concedes Herne Bay had a January to forget - as one of Ben Smith’s backroom team moves on.

Isthmian Premier Potters Bar have announced Bay head coach Darren Beale has become new manager Sammy Moore’s assistant.

He is joined at Potters Bar by Herne Bay right-back Jacques Kpohomouh who has also signed following the appointment of Deal-born former Football League midfielder Moore. On the field, Smith’s side lost 2-1 at Isthmian Premier Margate in the Velocity Cup on Tuesday, despite Bode Anidugbe’s second-half strike, having been beaten 2-0 at Isthmian South East promotion rivals Ramsgate last weekend.

“It’s not the January that we hoped for, although we had a couple of tough fixtures in there as well which we felt we were unlucky in,” reflected Dixon.

“At Ramsgate, I thought we played quite well on Saturday but two mistakes cost us. Their keeper has made a hell of a save, and we hit the bar in the first half and in the second half.

“The Ashford game was quite tough and we were unlucky not to take three points in the games against Corinthian and Sittingbourne, which we drew.

“On Tuesday, we put in a very, very good performance at Margate. We were unlucky not to take it to penalties. But a couple of magic moments from them were the difference.

“We could do with winning ugly. It’s a cliche but, sometimes, you just need to get three points on the board.” Sixth-placed Bay host East Grinstead, who are on an eight-game unbeaten run, this Saturday.

“When we are playing at home, we should not be fearing anyone,” insisted Dixon.

“We’re not there to draw, we want to win every game. There’s not too much thinking about them (the opposition), it’s about how we approach the game.

“We have just slipped out of the playoffs and so this is a pivotal time in the season for us.”

Dixon and assistant Ben Brown are primarily assisting boss Smith. Ex-ramsgate and Hythe boss Dixon is enjoying his coaching role, away from the pressures which come with being in the hot-seat.

“Darren has decided to step back up to that league,” said Dixon.

“He has been brilliant for us. For me personally, most (non-league) managers will tell you it’s like a fulltime job. There’s a lot of hours you need to put in behind-the-scenes that people don’t see.

“I couldn’t commit to that. But I’m there to offer Ben as much advice as possible.”

Bay visit Chichester on Tuesday.