Nigel Kane has blamed a lack of faith in him and his players for ending his reign as Hastings United manager.

But Kane, who left the Ryman premier strugglers by mutual consent on Thursday, believes he has left a squad strong enough to avoid relegation.

United, with John Lambert and Wayne Farrier in caretaker charge, suffered their third defeat in eight days with a 2-0 setback at home against Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.

Kane, who led the club to promotion last season, said: "It is a shame and I wish the club well.

"I devoted the last two years of my life to Hastings. We had solved the problem of conceding too many goals this season, although we still struggled to score.

"It was imperative everyone was 100 per cent behind myself, the coaches and the players. I felt certain people started to lose the faith with us.

"It could be argued the club over-achieved last season and that I have become a victim of my own success.

"There is very little loyalty in football today but I chose to remain loyal to the squad that won promotion for us.

"I still believe the squad which I have assembled is good enough to finish mid-table and avoid relegation.

"The chairman (Dave Walters) made a bold decision when he appointed me and his judgment was proved sound as I rewarded him with promotion in my first full season.

"He has made an equally brave decision now and only time will tell if his judgment again proves correct.

"I would like to thank the chairman for giving me the opportunity. He has been supportive throughout.

"I feel satisfied that I have helped the club progress on and off the field and sincerely hope they find a replacement who is as dedicated and passionate as I was."

Lambert, who has been promoted from the reserve team, is ready to apply for the job.

He said: I will make a decision in the next 24 hours. It is a challenge I would relish but I'm green about other areas of the job like budgets and my head is spinning with the quick turn of events.

"Nigel did a fantastic job last season and we were never going to storm the premier this season. He worked his socks off."

Former Horsham winger John Westcott (16 minutes) and Anthony Storey (32) scored the goals for Angels which left Hastings in the relegation zone.

United also had youth player Matt McClean sent off for a second bookable offence in injury time.

Lambert said: "Morale is low. Matt was unlucky to get red-carded. He did not commit a foul and Tonbridge agreed."

Horsham manager John Maggs believes rejuvenated Hornets have recovered from their FA Cup hangover after taking six points from their two holiday matches.

Defender Andy Howard was the unlikely match-winner in the 1-0 home success against Margate with a late goal from a Lee Carney corner.

Maggs said: "The points are welcome after our hiccup following the FA Cup exit. It seems we are back on track for the play-offs in a tight league.

"I'm delighted for Andy. He broke a foot about eight weeks ago and has only just come back to fitness."

Jean-Michel Sigere, the striker on loan from Lewes, has impressed in both games.

Maggs said: "Siggy's been excellent. But I'm continuing my search for a permanent striker."