Reports by John Bathurst

Premier Division Cup Final
Monday 3rd May 2010
Sevenoaks 2-3 Herne Bay

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Reproduced with Kind permision from Stephen McCartney of Kentish Football

INJURY plagued striker Stuart King was back to his best today - as his hat-trick ensured bridesmaids Herne Bay collected their first trophy in eleven years at a wet Folkestone.
The 20-year-old former Ramsgate striker has missed large chunks of the season through injury (breaking his arm after falling off a ladder whilst at work), suspension and a loss of form - but he pulled it out of the bag on the big occasion for well-supported Herne Bay.
With club captain Luke Harvey unable to lead the line through a torn calf, King’s hat-trick ensured it was Harvey that lifted the Kent League Cup after 120 minutes of unimpressive football, spoilt by 22-year-old referee Mr Oliver Jackson.
King had given Herne Bay a 24th minute lead, before find of the season, Bill Shinners netted his 21st goal of the season to bring Sevenoaks back on level terms.
Substitute Alfie Keroma then gave Sevenoaks the advantage in the final seventeen minutes - but their hearts were broken when King smashed home his second just nine minutes before full-time.
Skipper Danny Ward cost Sevenoaks the game when he picked up his second yellow card at the end of the 90 minutes - before King fired home a match-winning strike just 38 seconds into the second period to win it for Herne Bay.
Sevenoaks have enjoyed their most successful campaign in the Kent League as manager Simon Jones has guided the Greatness Park outfit to sixth place and reaching their first ever Kent League Cup Final is a major achievement by the west Kent club.
Herne Bay, meanwhile, completed their campaign in second place, six points behind Faversham Town, and will be the favourites to go one better next season.
Herne Bay were without Harvey and Michael Jenner (ankle), whilst Sevenoaks were without long-serving defender Michael Webb (away) and cup-tied trio Tony Atkins, Badar Mohamed and John Maloney.
King had an early sighter on goal as early as the fifth minute when he shrugged off Danny Twinn’s attentions and his angled drive took a deflection before drifting past the far post.
Herne Bay enjoyed plenty of possession during the early stages - but Sevenoaks created the better chances but Joe Minter’s stroked effort from the edge of the box was saved by Dan Eason and Joe Creasey drilled a shot past the near post.
Herne Bay, however, grabbed the lead after 24 minutes - through uncharacteristic route-one football.
Towering central defender Steve Hanson thumped the ball up field and King wiggled his way past Charlie Burgess to slam a left-footed drive across San Funnell to find the bottom far corner.
But Sevenoaks were back on level terms just nine minutes later.
Danny Ward - showing the better side of his game - slipped the ball in behind Herne Bay’s two central defenders for Shinners to roll the ball under Eason to find the bottom far corner.
Sevenoaks striker Creasey should have done better with a hat-trick of half-chances that came his way before the break.
Sevenoaks had a glorious chance to regain the lead after 61 minutes when Creasey did get a shot away on target with a right-footed drive which skidded off the wet turf and forced Eason into making a low save to his right.
Things got even better for Sevenoaks - as they took the lead against the run of play - with 17 minutes remaining.
Creasey - who was now playing in a deeper position in midfield - played a delightful ball over the top of the Herne Bay defence for Keroma to latch on to and after leaving his marker behind, the substitute dinked the ball past Eason into the empty net.
Sadly, this game was ruined by a card happy referee, who applied the letter of the law in front off watching Kent League and Kent County Football Association officials and produced a total number of nine cards.
Sevenoaks keeper Funnell pulled off his save of the game to push away a fierce shot from King, who escaped the attentions of the Sevenoaks defence inside the penalty area.
But Herne Bay levelled from the resulting corner.
Dan Lawrence swung in the ball from the left and Sevenoaks failed to clear their lines and the ball dropped kindly for King to lash the ball into the top left-hand corner with his left-foot to aid the recovery.
Sevenoaks were now dead on their feet - and the size of their task increased when Ward was sent off 98 seconds into time added on.
Chris Walker played the ball through the heart of the Herne Bay defence and Ward was never going to get to the ball before bright-pink shirted Eason, who won the race and nodded the ball away, from outside his box.
Ward deserved his second yellow card - and then a red - for going through the Herne Bay keeper, who needed treatment.
The poor challenge ended Sevenoaks’ hopes of lifting their first piece of silverware since rejoining the Kent League in 2003.
It was only a matter of time that Herne Bay would score the winning goal - Sevenoaks were hoping to hang on to take the game to penalties.
Substitute David Crofts saw a floating shot from a tight angle headed off the line by Twin before King came agonisingly close to winning it when his shot bounced off the left-hand post and rolled along the goal-line on its way to safety.
But King repaid his managers faith as inside the first minute of the second period a sliding pass from Jamie Maxted found him inside the Sevenoaks penalty area and the striker smashed a shot in off the far post.
King then raced toward  the vocal Herne Bay supporters - wearing yellow and black striped scarves for the occasion - in the main stand and jumped over the perimeter fence into the celebrating fans - before climbing back over the fence to shake Mr Jackson’s hand and collecting a yellow card.
It was good to see a striker back at the top of his game.
“That’s Stuart King!” said a delighted Simon Halsey, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk afterwards.
The Herne Bay boss added: “He’s been saying it to me all season, after coming back from injury, but he hasn’t been fit enough to go yet.  
“He’s been playing for me regularly now and that’s Stuart King and I’m pleased for him.  
“If you ask him he’ll tell you we was out in the centre circle and I said to him ‘you’ll get a hat-trick today’ and he agreed with me - as Stuart would!
“I had that feeling, I just had that feeling about Stuart, I know what he’s like.  He seemed to have his right head on today and he knows that and he’ll be the first to admit that.  It’s very important for Stuart to have his right head on and he did.
“He had five chances and scored three so you can’t ask for any more!  When Stuart King’s on fire, Stuart King’s a goalscorer and no-one can never take that away from him.”
Despite winning, Halsey wasn’t pleased that supporters didn’t see their trademark slick passing game.
“I’m just disappointed how we played today to be honest,” he said.  “We played well for must be 30 minutes out of the whole 90 minutes and extra-time.
“First 15 minutes, ok, then we went off it and then about the last 20, if I’m honest, I’m a honest person, even when we went to two-all I was not happy!  I’m happy with the end result obviously, it shows that we’ve ground out and I’m delighted for them!”
He added: “After 15 minutes we decided not to pass the ball short, not to pass the ball to Darren Marsden and not into our forwards feet.  When it did go into them the touch wasn’t there and we just gave possession back and that’s happened to us a few times this year. 
“It just invites pressure.  The centre halves then start getting worried, drop deeper and we’re defending our last third all the time.”
Herne Bay are a football club that should be playing Ryman League Division One South football at least!
It’s amazing that such a big club have gone a number of years without success.
Halsey added: “I’m delighted for John (Bathurst, chairman).  It’s our first trophy for 11 years, runners-up three times, runners-up in this, so we’ve broken that eleven year duck.  It’s 13 years to the day since Tommy Sampson last won it for Herne Bay. 
“I’m glad to be the manager and just pleased for the club.  I’m disappointed we didn’t win the league - that’s my little failure of the season - but other than that I’m well pleased.”

Team: Dan Eason, Simon Moore (David Crofts 80), Sean Bremner, Jamie Maxted, Steve Hanson, Jake Gess (Nathan Eastwood 80), Dan Lawrence, Darren Marsden, Stuart King, Rob Lawrence (James Turner 63), Michael Turner. Subs: Neil Perkins, Shaun Smith.

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 24th April 2010
Beckenham Town 2-4 Herne Bay

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A run of 7 consecutive victories is a great way to finish off the league season. 
This latest was a convincing 4-2 win over 3rd placed Beckenham Town. Played on the fabulous Eden Park Avenue surface Bay played some exquisite football in the first half. Beckenham should have taken the lead in the 4th minute though when Rob Lawrence made a hash of a pass back; giving the ball to the League’s leading scorer, Gary Gorman, who raced free to advance on Dan Eason. Dan forced him wide, making him shoot from the tight angle. His shot hit the upright and bounced straight back into Dan’s arms. From Dan’s throw out the ball was worked upfield. Rob made amends immediately, controlling a pass on his chest, letting the ball drop, before firing a volley over keeper Nick Blue into the back of the net.
Dan produced two very good saves midway through the half and Bay’s lead was looking fragile. Buoyed by these saves Bay came back at Beckenham led by some scintillating football from Darren Marsden. His goal, Bay’s second, was an absolute gem. Picking up the ball just inside Beckenham’s half, he jinked around no less than 5 defenders before rounding the keeper and sliding the ball home. 2-0 at half time.
Bay were again slow to reach the same standard of play in the second period but this changed in the 60th minute. Rob Lawrence received the ball midway in Becks half and played a delightful pass through the defence to give Stuart King the simplest of chances to side foot past Blue. 3-0.
James Turner, back from his extended holiday in Tenerife, replaced Darren in the 65th minute. He had an immediate an effect on the game. Put through behind the defence  he was up-ended in the box giving the referee an easy decision to make. Up stepped Stuart to send Blue the wrong way and extend Bay’s lead to four.
Full credit to Beckenham, they didn’t give up and were rewarded with two late goals from Gorman and reserve player, Fehmi Emiralioglu made the score line look more respectable.
So Bay confirmed 2nd place with a 15 point advantage over 3rd place Beckenham or Hythe , unfortunately 6 points behind Champions, Faversham but all-in-all a very successful league campaign.

Attendance: 65

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, S Brown, Hanson, Crofts, Marsden, Walker,
R Lawrence. King, M Turner 
Subs: J Turner (Marsden 65mins)
Not Used: Hadlow 

Man of the Match:  Darren Marsden

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Kent League Premier Division
Wednesday 21st April 2010
Herne Bay 3-0 Erith Town

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Well a good way to finish our last home game of the season; a convincing and well deserved 3-0 victory over Erith Town. The game exploded into life inside the first minute. From a free kick just inside the visitors half , the ball was sent into the danger area where it was flicked on by Rob Lawrence. The defender headed the ball back and Rob headed forward to Neil Perkins, who flicked it to Stuart King who side footed it behind the defender for Jamie Maxted to run in and place it past the keeper.
Despite their dominance it took a further 43 minutes to extend the lead. This time from 15 yards out Stuart King curved a free kick around the wall into the bottom corner.
The second half Bay started much slower but soon got into their stride, and at the same time, playing some very good passing football. Erith struggled with the speed and accuracy of Bay’s passing. A substitution on 62 minutes saw Darren Marsden introduced into the game, after missing the last two fixtures, he soon made his mark on the game, when he latched onto a Rob Lawrence pull back, to fire a shot through a maze of players legs into the back of the net to give Bay an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Good performances from everyone tonight.

 Attendance: 130

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Perkins, Eastwood, Walker,
R Lawrence. King, M Turner 
Subs: Crofts (Eastwood 63 mins) Baker (Bremner 53 mins) Marsden (Moore 62mins)
Not Used: Smith, 

Man of the Match:  Byron Walker

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 17th April 2010
Herne Bay 1-0 Fisher

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A very good first half from Bay with all the early pressure being on the Fisher goal. Narrow misses from Stuart King and Michael Turner bode well for Bay. Jake Gess had a fierce volley rebound off the keeper but no Bay forward was following up. In the 35th minute Bay broke the deadlock. A good run down the right flank by Dan Lawrence was taken to the bye line.  With a clever pull back he left the defender floundering before passing back to Simon Moore. Moore’s pinpoint cross was met by an unmarked Nathan Eastwood who side footed past keeper Adam Lisney.
This was Fisher’s fourth game in eight days and it did show in their play. They looked very slow at the back and were struggling to hold Bay’s quick forwards. However in the second half the ‘man in black’ ruined this game as a contest by booking eight players and dismissing Gess.
He had already booked Byron Walker in the first half but didn’t book the Fisher player when he retaliated against Walker’s challenge by pushing him away. In a similar incident, Gess was manhandled to the ground by the keeper and when he got up and confronted the keeper he was shown a straight red card. The bookings followed thick and fast, despite this not being a dirty game.
Bay started the 2nd half slowly and Fisher were producing the better play and pressurising Bay’s defence. This was until the sending off. From this moment on Bay fought for every ball and played with more commitment. It was obvious that they were determined not to let this official spoil their day. 
Dan Eason pulled off a fine save in the 65th minute when tipped a long range shot over the bar. This was Fisher’s only real threat on Bay’s goal. Bay had one final attempt to double their lead but a fine save by Lisney turning Walker’s shot around the far post.
With this victory Bay secured the runners up spot, putting them two point ahead of the  maximum number of points Beckenham Town can achieve from their remaining fixtures.

Attendance: 169

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Gess, D Lawrence, Eastwood , Walker,
King,  M Turner 
Subs:  Perkins (Turner 75 mins) Crofts (Walker 85 mins)
Not Used: R Lawrence Smith  Baker

Man of the Match:  Simon Moore

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Kent League Premier Division
Wednesday 14th April 2010
Herne Bay 4-2 Lordswood

All the action in this game took place in the first half. Bay opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The ball was played into the Lordswood area and knocked back to Jake Gess standing outside the area. He took one touch and simply lobbed the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. The keeper was taken by complete surprise and never moved.
The 2nd goal was the best of the game . Danny Lawrence collected the ball in hi own half. He was quickly closed down by four Lordswood players. It looked as though he had lost the ball but managed to get a foot to it and in the process put Stuart King away down the right. King reached the Lordswood 18 yard box and pulled the ball back for Byron Walker to flick the ball over the keeper into the roof of the net.
Dale Kitchener pulled one back for Lordswood although he was at least 5 yards offside when the  ball was played . The assistant somehow failed to spot this, much to the dismay of Bay’s defenders. However King restored the two goal lead a minute later when he received the ball on the edge of the box, took a touch before firing low into the bottom corner.
In the 40th minute Lordswood  scored a freak goal. A free kick was awarded 25 yards out from Bay’s goal. Ray Broad struck a low shot which hit a player standing in the wall. This took the power out of the shot but  keeper, Shaun Smith, seemed to dive too early. The ball bobbled and bounced over him into the goal.
Three minutes later Bay added their fourth. A cross field pass found Michael Turner completely unmarked. He took control of the ball before sliding it under the keeper to give Bay a 4-2  half time lead.
Unfortunately the second half never produced the same excitement . Credit to Lordswood they certainly battled hard to stop Bay playing but never really looked like adding to their score and Bay ran out comfortable winners.
This victory now means that Bay only need one point to guarantee runners up spot. Third place Beckenham can only reach 59 points if they win all their last three games. Bay already have 59 points and have an eleven goal difference advantage.

 Attendance: 96

Team: Smith, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Gess, D Lawrence, Eastwood , Walker,
King,  M Turner 
Subs:    R Lawrence (King 60 mins) Baker (Moore 80 mins)
Not Used: Perkins, Crofts, Eason

Man of the Match:  D Lawrence

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 10th April 2010
Hythe Town 0-2 Herne Bay

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Forget the scoreline this was a real walk in the park as Bay eased to three points  against a weakened Hythe Town side. That all said, Bay were also without Eason, Hanson, Harvey and Marsden. 
Bay showed their intentions as early as the 10th minute when a superb passing move between Sid, DL and Kingy saw Bay slice through the Hythe defence ending with a one touch lay back for Jenner to fire just wide of the post. A minute later Walker fired in a fierce shot which the keeper did well to keep out.
5 minutes later a fine cross found DL free in the box but his header went the wrong side of the upright.  Bay eventually opened the scoring following another searching ball from Sid which was headed on by King. Walker went for the ball but was bundled out of the way by the defender. This allowed Stuart to advance on the goal and place the ball wide of the keeper into the bottom corner.
Early in the 2nd period Bay’s supporters were concerned when Jenner went into a 50/50 challenge with Kingwell only to have his boot ripped off  and some bad scarring on his shin. Jenner played on but was obviously in a lot of pain and was substituted five minutes later.
Bay extended their lead in the 50th minute with a most bizarre goal. Perko played a ball over the defence. Stuart chased the ball down but the defender always looked favourite to clear the danger, but he struggled to get the ball under control . As the keeper came out to collect the ball, the defender kicked the ball which rebounded off Stuart, past the keeper to give him the simplest of tap ins into the empty net. Rob Lawrence replaced King, who went to hospital to check on a very swollen foot. Turner could have made the score look more respectable in the final quarter. After some good work from Rob he put Michael through on goal, but unfortunately his shot again went the wrong side of the upright with the keeper beaten.
All in all a comfortable victory but concerns remain over the  ever increasing injury list!

Team: Smith, Bremner, Moore, Perkins, Maxted, Jenner, Gess, D Lawrence, Walker, King, M Turner
Subs:  Eastwood (Jenner 52 mins) R Lawrence (King 68 mins)   Valencia (Turner  80 mins) 
Not Used:  Crofts, Marsden

Man of the Match:  Jake Gess

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Kent League Premier Division
Monday 5th April 2010
Herne Bay 1-0 Erith & Belvedere

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This was akin to a typical end of season game. Erith & Belvedere came to the Safety Net Stadium on the back of a 1-6 mauling from bottom Club Lordwsood. They had  parted company with their manager and changed their side to incorporate a number of reserve players.
This Deres side played with belief and frustrated Bay for 80 minutes  before they conceded the only goal of the game. The goal scored by Stuart King  was piece of pure opportunism. From a corner kick the ball was played into the box. The 'keeper misjudged the flight and the ball went over his outstretched arms to hit the post, rebounded out  and fell to King, who spun round and fired a right foot shot, which hit the underside of the bar, ricocheted down onto the goal line before bouncing up into the roof of the net.  Bay’s players, management and supporters alike were delighted.
Up until this point Bay had flattered to deceive; the first half in particular was devoid of any real football and any threat on the Deres goal. The very experienced Ryan Royston was leading his back line with aplomb, clearing any danger and marshalling his defence superbly. Bay kept pumping the ball into the box only for Royston to head clear time after time. In fact Deres should have taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Steve Hanson stood on the ball instead of clearing it, allowing Stephen Wetherly to nip in and fire a shot past Shaun Smith only for it to hit the upright and rebound away to safety.
The second half was a little better with many attempted shots on goal, unfortunately most of these were nowhere near on target. Jamie Maxted coming the closest when his fine volley was brilliantly saved by keeper, Alex Hyde, diving at the far post to turn the ball away for a corner. The only other real goal scoring attempt came when a Michael Jenner volley deflected off the defender onto the post..
So it was King’s single goal which secured the win and three points as Bay tried to maintain  the pressure on Faversham.

Attendance: 136

Team: Smith, Moore, Perkins,  Maxted, Hanson, D Lawrence, Jenner, Marsden,
R Lawrence, King,  M Turner 
Subs:   Gess (Marsden 80 mins) Eastwood ( R Lawrence 83 mins)
Harvey (D Lawrence 70 mins), Not Used:, Valencia, J Turner

Man of the match: Stuart King

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Kent League Premier Division
Friday 2nd April 2010
Holmesdale 1-2 Herne Bay

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A very non descript  first half for Bay with Holmesdale, playing with the strong breeze at their back, dominating the play. Bay just could not put two passes together; lost possession far too easily. Despite this it took Holmesdale 26 minutes to put Shaun Smith under any pressure. Nathan Bell was allowed to bring the ball, from the sideline, past 4 defenders  and when he got to the edge of the area  he let fly a fantastic left foot shot which flew past Smith to give the ‘dalers the lead.
Bay were struggling to find their passing play, or in fact retain the ball. Then one minute before the interval  Bay produced their best move of the period. Good interplay between Darren Marsden  and Michael Jenner ended with Marsden sending James Turner through one on one with  keeper, Jamie Williams. Turner held his nerve and slid the ball past the keeper into the back of the net via the inside of the upright. 1-1 and half time.
Bay were much better in the second half, passing more confidently and pinning Holmesdale  In their own half  for long periods. Bay took the lead in the 66th minute. Luke Harvey received the ball 30 yards out  but despite being surrounded by three Holmesdale defenders managed to steal a yard before firing a low drive, which took Williams completely by surprise, and nestled in the bottom  corner  of the net. 2-1
Then Holmesdale came back in the game, Bay went defensive in an attempt to see out  game. Holmesdale squandered  three great chances to level the score in the last 10  minutes but Smith produced fine saves to keep Bay in front. Ben Chick missing the best chance  in the dying minutes when after being allowed to break through put his shot just wide of the post with Smith beaten.
Bay held out despite 6 minutes of injury time to record a very important victory.
It wasn’t pretty but it was a win and secured three very valuable points, particularly as Beckenham had already beaten Faversham in the early kick off.

Attendance:  83

Team: Smith, Moore, Perkins, Maxted, Hanson, Jenner, Marsden, Valencia, Harvey, Walker,  J Turner
Subs: King (Harvey 85 mins)  Gess (Walker 80 mins) D Lawrence (Turner 65 mins)
Not Used:     R Lawrence,

Man of the Match:  Shaun Smith

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Kent League Pemier Division
Monday 29th March 2010
Erith Town 2-2 Herne Bay

Bay started this game very brightly. Byron Walker tested the keeper with a shot inside the first minute; fortunately for the hosts the ball was somehow pushed around the upright for a corner. Bay were pinning Town deep in their own area. In an attempt to stop another shot on goal Deal Kearly fouled Luke Harvey on the edge of the area. Michael Jenner set the ball up and fired in a really fierce shot which the keeper just couldn’t  hold. Harvey followed up with another shot which rebounded of the defender out to the left hand side of the area where Jamie Maxted raced in to drill a shot through the congested area  into the bottom corner. 1–0 and 8 minutes gone.
8 Minutes later Erith had their first real chance of levelling the scores but the forward hurried his shot and  skied it over the bar from 6 yards out.
Erith threw everything at Bay and for the next 20 minutes Bay just couldn’t get out of their half. But they weathered the storm and with reserve keeper, Shaun Smith, only having one save to make Bay were still in control, hitting Town on the break with some quick counter attacks. In the closing minutes of the half Michael Turner was put through by Darren Marsden but his shot was hit just wide.
Erith came out for the 2nd half and continued with their long ball play. From their first attack of the period the ball was cleared for a corner. From the corner kick,  Kearly rose unchallenged to head the ball past Smith 1-1.
Bay struck back almost immediately and could have easily retaken the lead, but  Marsden‘s shot was headed off the line with the keeper beaten. 10 minutes into the half Marsden took the ball into Town’s area, as he was challenged he put Turner through. As he advanced on goal he unleashed a powerful left foot volley which beat the keeper, but went  agonisingly over the crossbar.
Erith’s play was now long ball after long ball. As soon as Bay cleared it, it came back. This seems to be standard 2nd half play now for Bay. The passing seems to go out of the window and the ball gets hoofed out giving possession back. Bay substituted Lawrence, replaced by Jake Gess in the 75th minute and this seemed to be an inspired  piece of play as he bundled the ball over the line from another Jenner free kick which the keeper again failed to hold, one minute after entering the field of play. 2-1
Erith never gave up and didn’t change their style of play and from a corner 4 minutes from time Salih Hafiz ghosted into the box to head home the equalizer. 2-2 and probably effectively ending Bay’s challenge for the title!

Attendance:  63

Team: Smith, Moore, Perkins, Maxted, Hanson, Jenner, Marsden, D Lawrence, Harvey, Walker,  M Turner
Subs: King (Moore 86 mins)  Gess (Lawrence 75 mins)
Not Used:     J Turner  R Lawrence, Valencia

Man of the Match:  Michael Jenner

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 27th March 2010
Herne Bay Sporting Bengal Utd

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A great first half performance again with new signing, Byron Walker, and Michael Jenner both getting hat tricks. Difficult to do a match report so I have listed the match facts:-

20 secs - Ball worked through to Walker who fired a volley into the top corner 1-0
4 min -  Luke Harvey fouled on edge of box. Jenner free kick  give keeper no chance 2-0
17 min -  Harvey through on goal, drills a low cross, defender deflects past keeper 3-0
22 min - Good work from Louis Valencia ball worked back to Jenner shot from 20yards 4-0
23 min - Walker shoots, keeper parries Dan Lawrence tapped home 5-0
27 min -  Darren Marsden shoots, keeper clears ball to Walker , who lobs keeper 6-0
31 min - Defender handles on edge of box. Jenner hits low drive into bottom corner 7-0
Half Time

46 min -  Harvey and Jenner replaced by M Turner and Sam Baker
55 min -  Marsden  scores. Offside
58 min -  Marsden fires in a long range shot . Keeper produces great save to tip over
64 min - James Turner crosses Walker out jumps defender to nod home at far post 8-0
66 min - Rob Lawrence replaces Walker
70 min -  JamesTurner jinking run down right pulls the ball back. Rob Lawrence hits over bar from close range
75 min -  Valencia takes the ball into box passes to Marsden. Hits wide of target
80 min -  James Turner races through advances on keeper. Passes to Rob. Hits over bar
85 min - Rob races down the right. pass to Marsden who rounds keeper and taps home 9-0
 Full time

Attendance: 125

Team: Smith, Moore, Valencia, Maxted, Hanson, D Lawrence, Jenner, Marsden, Walker Harvey, M Turner 
Subs:   Baker (Jenner 46 mins) J Turner (Walker 66 mins) R Lawrence (Harvey 46 mins)
Not Used:  King,  

Man of the Match:  Byron Walker

 

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Kent League Premier Division
Wednesday 24th March 2010
Herne Bay 1-2 Hythe Town

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With their third consecutive league defeat, Bay have thrown away any chance of overhauling leaders Faversham Town in the chase for the Premier Division title.
The night started brightly with Bay taking the game to the visitors. Stuart King back from suspension, had his fierce volley brilliantly blocked by Hythe’s keeper, Keiron Mann after five minutes.
Two minutes later and the first controversial incident. Danny Lawrence was put clear behind the Hythe defence. As he worked his way into the box he was unceremoniously brought down. A ‘stonewall’ penalty, which the officials decide to ignore. (See Tony’s photograph and make your own mind up). Things got worse a few minutes later as King pulled up with a muscle strain after only 12 minutes of the game gone.
New signing, former Dover player, Byron Walker, was introduced and he made an immediate impact with his blistering pace and good ball control.  On 32 minutes Walker really made his mark on the game; collecting a loose ball inside Hythe’s penalty area, he took a touch before volleying past Mann into the bottom corner. Half time and Bay were looking good for their first half lead.
The second half was a completely different story. Hythe came out and took the game to Bay. Defensively Bay were looking assured but they were finding it very difficult to keep Hythe out of their half. Every clearance came straight back. Bay were losing their composure; their passing game had long been forgotten. Then following a very strange decision from the assistant referee. when he flagged for a throw in against Hythe when all could see the ball was easily one metre in play. Hythe players protested vehemently resulting in a yellow card for Dave Cook. This decision really incensed  Hythe and from this moment on they played with more determination and desire and bombarded Bay’s goal with relentless attacking play. Bay couldn’t get possession and even when they did, it was quickly lost. As the game drew to its conclusion Hythe’s determined play paid off. With two minutes left on the clock, Keiren Byrne was first to the ball, after Bay’s defenders failed to get anywhere near a cross into the box, to knock the ball past Dan Eason. Straight from the restart Hythe came at Bay and only a fantastic fingertip save from Eason prevented Cook from heading Hythe into the lead. Then just before the final whistle, Cook managed to poke the ball home after the defence went awol, again failing to deal with a cross into the danger area. Hythe thoroughly deserved the victory achieved with a very strong 2nd half display and with this effectively ended Bay’s title ambitions.

Attendance:  102

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Gess, Marsden, D Lawrence, Harvey, King,  Valencia
Subs: Walker (King 12 mins) Perkins (Maxted 70 mins)  M Turner  (Valencia 70 mins)
Not Used:     J Turner  R Lawrence,

Man of the Match:  Simon Moore

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Kent League Premier Division Cup semi final 2nd leg
Tuesday 16th March 2010
Faversham Town Herne Bay

Bay made it through to the final of the Premier Division Cup by drawing 1-1  at Salters Lane to go through to the final  4-2 on aggregate.
Bay knew what Faversham’s tactics would be; long ball into the box, for Damien Abel and Mike Smissen to chase, and when they didn’t have the ball ; close down Bay’s ball players to stop them playing football. This as you would expect did not produce a game for the purists.
Bay defended brilliantly, plus rode their luck at times. Then after 13 minutes they got the all important first goal from the best passing of the whole game. A slick one touch move down the right between Darren Marsden, Danny Lawrence and brother Rob allowed Michael Jenner to nip in and roll the ball under the advancing Rob French. This cancelled out Faversham’s ‘away goal’ and meant that they had to score three times to take the tie into extra time.
Faversham bombarded Bay’s defence with long, high balls for the rest of the period. Fortunately these were often over hit, and into open spaces which was no problem for Bay’s defence.
Town pulled a goal back early in the 2nd period. Jamie Maxted adjudged to have pushed Abel when defending a corner. Referee Mike Marsh pointed to the spot. This was the first time Dan Eason had to make a save, but Lee Shearer sent him the wrong way with the spot kick. We all expected this to spur the home side on but it was obvious that Town had started with Plan B and didn’t have an alternative strategy.
As the hosts started to tire Bay started to pass the ball better and it was them who looked the more likely team to score. One scare in the dying minutes when Steve Hanson headed clearance required Eason to tip the ball over his crossbar. This was the only real threat on Bay’s goal in open play in the whole game!
Faversham’s treble dream was over, but they are still in pole position in the League and they are contesting the final of the Kent Senior Trophy.
Bay have now got to maintain the pressure on Faversham in their pursuit of the league title and promotion and hope Town slip up in their run in. Meanwhile they can look forward to the League Cup final to be held at Cheriton Road Folkestone in May.

Attendance: 204

Team: Eason, Eastwood, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, D Lawrence, M Turner, Gess,
Marsden, R Lawrence, Jenner. 
Subs:   Moore ( Eastwood 53 mins) J Turner (R Lawrence 78 mins) Perkins (Gess 65 mins)
Not Used:  Cambell, Williams,

Man of the Match:  Jamie Maxted

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 13th March 2010
Herne Bay 0-2 Sevenoaks

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Today the stadium was given over to Herne Bay Youth, Their Sponsors and 112 youth players were allowed in for free. Unfortunately this was not the result or game they expected, or wished, to see.
Our  last  two games against Greenwich Borough  really cost us dear!  Luke Harvey, Stuart King, Darren Marsden, suspended, David Crofts, broken foot , Louis Valencia knee injury. With Jamie Maxted unavailable due to family commitments, today’s game was a chance for the other squad players to stake their claim to a permanent place in the team.
Unfortunately these players along with the remaining usual team players failed to turn up today. This was by far Bay’s worst performance of the season!
Sevenoaks came to The Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field as a team in good form, and after beating Hythe last week, were sitting in 3rd place in the league.
Bay started brightly enough with Nathan Eastwood in particular making some forceful runs into the Oaks area. Bay had several chances in the first quarter of an hour but again the forwards failed to get a shot on target, still trying to walk the ball into the goal!  It was left  to the visitors to show how it should be done when, in the 21st minute, Joe Greasy was first to a loose ball and after taking a touch, let fly with a thunderbolt shot, from fully 35 yards out, which flew past the despairing dive of Dan Eason into the back of the net.
Bay fought their way back into game and were starting to get  the upper hand . Rob Lawrence came the closest  to levelling the scores when he took the ball into the box but hit his volley wide of the target from the tight angle. Then in the 40th minute came the turning  point of the game.  Dan Lawrence hit  a perfectly flighted ball, which left the defence flat flooted.  Eastwood  raced through and took the ball into the area where he was tripped as he went past the defender. Up stepped Simon Moore but his spot kick failed  to trouble Sevenoaks keeper Sean Funnell as the ball sailed high and wide over the bar. This let off gave the visitors the incentive they needed. This proved to be the case, when, seconds before the half time whistle, they broke away from deep in their own half when James Turner was dis-possessed as Bay raced forward. The ball was picked up by Tony Atkins; he left Neil Perkins for dead and then rounded  Steve Hanson before placing a low drive under Eason’s body to double their lead.
In the second half  Bay lost their shape;  they looked nothing like the side that went  on that 13 match unbeaten run. They did have chances to score but time after time they squandered them when it looked easier to score!  
Funnell did pull off one fine save from James Turner.  It followed Bay’s only real good passing  move of the game. Rob Lawrence  split the defence open with a fine pass to Turner who had  only the keeper to beat. James hit  towards the far post but Funnell managed to push the ball around the upright.
Bay pressed and pressed but we all knew it was just not going to be our day. This was confirmed in the 80th minute when the ball appeared to have clearly crossed the line but the officials failed to confirm.
In the dying minutes Substitute Aaron Cambell got through the defence but pulled his shot wide of the target with an open goal in front of him.
A really bad day at the office putting  a severe dent in Bays title challenge!
Is it all over? Probably, but  the fat lady hasn’t started singing yet!.

Attendance:  264

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, J Turner, D Lawrence, Eastwood, Gess,
R Lawrence, Jenner
Subs:  M Turner ( Moore 59 mins)  Williams (J Turner 68 mins)  Cambell (Perkins 68 mins)
Not Used:  Marsh, R Brown  

Man of the Match: Steve Hanson

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Kent League Premier Division Cup semi final 1st leg
Wednesday 10th March 2010
Herne Bay 3-1 Faversham Town

Bay have one foot in the final of the Premier Division Cup having beaten Faversham Town 3-1 in the 1st leg. With a scintillating first half display against an unusually lack lustre Faversham defence. The visitors should have opened scoring as early as the 7th minute when hesitation in Bay’s defence allowed Dane Lutchford a free shot at goal, which hit the woodwork with the rebound blasted high and wide over the bar byTom Hickman.
Bay struck back almost immediately and took the lead 4 minutes later. Following a fine piece of interplay down the right, involving Nathan Eastwood and Jake Gess, resulted in Darren Marsden releasing Eastwood in behind the Faversham defence and his low cross bounced off Faversham’s central defender, Ashley Brown, and rolled into the net.
Bay doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with another good passing movement, this time down the left flank, between Sean Bremner and Michael Turner. Turner’s cross into the area was met by Steve Hanson who hit the ball into the goal, via a deflection off Dan Larkin.
Bay really should have put the tie beyond Faversham’s reach when Gess powered French’s kick back to where it came from and striker Rob Lawrence drove his shot agonisingly past the far post when he only had the goalkeeper to beat.
Dan Eason came to Bay’s rescue when he tipped over Michael Smissen’s near-post    glancing header following Larkin’s free-kick from the right.
Bay’s quick passing football was giving Town’s defence all sorts of problems and their woes continued when in the 38th minute when Eastwood played a delightful ball through the  Faversham defence, cutting out Larkin and Lee Shearer, to Stuart King, who produced an excellent left-footed finish, slotting the ball under the advancing keeper, Rob French. French was lucky to stay on the pitch just before half-time after he brought down Lawrence a couple of yards outside his penalty area as  the striker raced through on goal, but the referee for some reason didn’t see this as even warranting a booking!
A superb start by Bay which fully justified their 3-0 half time lead.  Faversham raised their came for the second half; bringing on Craig Preston to launch his long throws to bombard Bay’s penalty area for the entire second half. Faversham struck the woodwork again when Damian Abel cracked a right-footed drive on the turn from 25-yards, which bounced off the top of the crossbar and out for a goal-kick. The defence held on resiliently until the 78th minute. Town were awarded a dubious free-kick after Bremner had won the ball, Larkin swept in a great cross into the crowded penalty area and substitute, Steve O’Brien, rose to head powerfully past Eason to secure a consolation goal.
This tie is certainly not over! A two goal lead is no guarantee of winning the tie (remember Thamesmead in the semi of 2006/07). Bay will have to be at their very best to get through on Tuesday but we can be sure the boys will be doing all they can to secure a place in the final.

Attendance:154

Team: Eason, Eastwood, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson M Turner, Gess, Marsden
R Lawrence, King, Jenner
Subs:   Moore (Eastwood 76 mins)
Not Used: , Perkins, Cambell, Marsh, Taylor

 Man of the Match:  Jamie Maxted

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Kent Senior Trophy Semi Final
Saturday 6th March 2010
Greenwich Borough 3-2 Herne Bay (aet, 2-2 after 90 mins)

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Well the run had to come to an end eventually. It was the way it came about which made it so disappointing. Having Greenwich on the ropes after the first 45 minutes and deservedly 2-0 in the lead, Bay gave the game away  in the second period by stopping playing football.  Greenwich to their credit never gave up and in fact raised their game and took full
advantage of Bay’s change of play. It was obvious if Borough scored they would fight even harder to get the equalizer. This they did in the 75th minute.
Rob Lawrence had given Bay an early lead; a typical Rob goal! Brother Dan put a ball through the back line. Keeper Danny Firkins raced out but Rob’s first touch took the ball away from the keeper, leaving him stranded, and he simply rolled the ball into the empty net. Bay were really flying, Luke Harvey had a well struck shot brilliantly saved by Firkins. Greenwich were bossing the midfield but failed to threaten Dan Eason’s goal. Neil Perkins and Jamie Maxted were very solid at the back. Then a tactical change. Rob was substituted by David Crofts to give a more even balance to the midfield.
Just before the break Bay doubled their lead. Darren Marsden blasted a free kick low into the danger area. Defender Adam Wadmore attempted a diving header clearance but only managed to deflect the ball past Firkins.
Then the second half and the transformation started. The goal in the 75th minute was the pivotal moment. Substitute Joe Jackson went on a jinking run down the left before putting Jason Mabbs away. Mabbs fired a shot which Eason could only block. The ball rebounded out to Danny Hunt who smashed the ball home from close range. Bay were hanging on desperately as Borough pressed for the goal to take the tie into extra time. It all looked lost for them as the minutes ticked away. Then deep into injury time Mabbs was brought down in the box. Up stepped Hunt to send Eason the wrong way to bring the scores level. The final whistle came and Borough were very relieved and now brimming with confidence.
Three minutes into extra time and the tie was decided. Kennickson Jarrett-Elliott fired the most fantastic free kick in off the  underside of the bar from fully 25 yards. Eason despite having it covered stood no chance.
A very disappointed changing room after the game but Bay only have to look at the way they played from the start of the second half and learn from this.
Take nothing away from Greenwich they really wanted to win the game and at the end of the day they fully deserved their place in the Final where they will meet Faversham Town.

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Maxted, M Turner, D Lawrence, Marsden,
R Lawrence , Harvey, Jenner
Subs:  Crofts  (R Lawrence 33 mins)  Gess (Turner 60 mins)  Valencia (D Lawrence 80 mins)
Not Used:   Hanson  King, 

 Man of the Match: Neil Perkins


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Kent League Premier Division
Tuesday 2nd March 2010
Deal Town 1-4 Herne Bay

Bay edged nearer to league leaders, Faversham, with a very comprehensive 4-1 victory over Deal Town. After tonight’s results it has become a two horse race for the title, with 3rd placed Hythe losing at Sevenoaks.
Bay showed their intentions straight from the off with a number of quick passing attacks which the Deal defenders found difficulty containing. Eight minutes into the game saw Bay deservedly take the lead. Darren Marsden picked up a clearance just inside the Deal half, advanced towards the goal and played a swift pass to Luke Harvey. Luke spotted Dan
Lawrence completely unmarked on the right and switched the play with a perfect pass, which gave him time to take a touch before rifling a shot past ex-Bay reserve keeper, Brad Ashmore. 1-0
Deal tried to close down the Bay forwards quickly but Bay’s passing and movement was just superb. Michael Turner went close in the 20th minute narrowly missing after pouncing on to a Dan Lawrence deep cross. Four minutes later the lead was doubled. Michael Jenner linked up with Harvey and after taking a couple of paces forward he fired in a fierce volley which Ashmore seemed to fumble at the near post, allowing the ball to roll over the line. 2-0. A lapse in concentration one minute later gave the hosts hope of getting back into the game. From a standard corner kick Jason Brazier was allowed too much time and space as he made Bay pay by heading past Dan Eason 2-1.
No further scares before half time but Deal were slowly working their way back into the game.
7 minutes into the second half saw Harvey make a brilliant solo run through Deal’s defence but he just couldn’t get his shot on target from the tight angle. Following this came the turning point of the game. Neil Perkins was adjudged by the referee assistant to have handled the ball  on the edge of the area and a penalty awarded. Dave Bathgate is one of the best penalty takers in the league but tonight Dan Eason proved to be one of the best keepers. Bathgate was horrified to see his perfectly hit kick, heading towards the bottom corner, brilliantly saved. If Deal had levelled at this time the outcome of the game may well have been different. From here on in Bay took complete control. The Deal defenders were looking very tired as Bay’s forwards  ran them ragged.
Rob Lawrence put the game beyond doubt in the 70th minute, latching onto a charged down clearance he beat Ashmore to the ball to place it in the back of the net .3–1
An injury to Harvey brought Louis Velencia into the game. It was he who set up the Bay’s fourth with a jinking run down the right flank, followed by a low cross into the heart of the defence. A poor clearance was intercepted by Marsden, who quickly slotted a sublime pass through the defence for Rob to again beat Ashmore to the ball and slot home in a similar fashion to his first. 4-1.
Great result on the night but it could have been a landslide if Bay had taken all the chances created, but at this stage of the season the result is more important than the scoreline.

Attendance:74

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Maxted, M Turner, D Lawrence, Marsden
R Lawrence Harvey, Jenner
Subs:  Eastwood (Moore 60 mins) Valencia (Harvey 88 mins)
Not Used: King,  Gess, Crofts, 

 Man of the Match:  Dan Eason

 

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 20th February 2010
Herne Bay 1-0 Greenwich Borough

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A slightly different format to the match report today.

My view of the game was that Bay dominated the first 25 minutes and scored the only goal of the game. A penalty in the 12th minute when Darren Marsden walked the ball into the penalty area and his cross was handled by the Greenwich defender. Simon Moore stepped up and coolly slotted the ball under keeper, Danny Firkins. Bay should have been at least three up in this period of early pressure but for some reason  they tried to walk the ball into the goal in preference to shooting. Greenwich were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute but a weak Mark Sisson kick was easily saved by Dan Eason. From this moment on, and for the rest of the game, Greenwich produced by far the better football and forced Bay deeper and deeper back into their own half. Despite this pressure Eason was never called upon to pull off any save of any significance. In fairness neither keeper was really troubled throughout the game. All hell let loose in the 75th minute following a confrontation between Michael Jenner and Frankie Warren turned the game into a farce with all 22 players plus substitutes attacking each other resulting in 4 dismissals and 2 further bookings. Bringing  the total to 7 bookings on the day.
When the game restarted Greenwich soon were reduced to eight when Adam Wadmore received a second yellow for stamping on Sean Bremner’s hand after making a tackle. Jake Gess had the best opportunity to extend Bay’s lead, after great work from Danny Lawrence put him clear but his shot  hit the wrong side of the upright.

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, M Turner, Marsden, D Lawrence, King,  Jenner, Harvey
Subs:  King (M Turner 46 mins)  Crofts (Marsden 70 mins)  Gess (J Turner 75 mins)
Not Used:   Eastwood  R Lawrence

Man of the Match: Simon Moore

Now Keith’s report which is a supporters view of the game.

‘What a great day I really enjoyed that . We started well dominated the first 20 mins and scored the pen resultant from the pressure . Then I don't know what happened after that but we went backwards, the forwards made all the wrong choices and the ball just kept coming back in to our half . Second half they started better and we were camped in our own half. Again the back four doing all they could to keep us at one up . However mayhem was to ensue starting with Jenner and some knob where the afforementioned knob wanted to head butt our super star. Team spirit as it is at the blue army a bit of a brawl
ensued, mainly hand bags thank god .
Me and my mark were so quick to get a leg over the barrier I kicked hanson so hard in the nuts he dropped to the floor . It was hilarious . Papa brems was chatting with their manager and si rushed on in his pointy flat shoes to calm things down , how he stood up was bewildering .
The ref was hoping he would survive to cock up another day and big mc was taking it all in his stride . King was becoming very emotional and has probably cocked up any chance of getting a start as he and Harvey were shown red; so three match ban for each of them then . Least rob will get a start  again .. It was all hand shakes at the end but probably cos there was a pretty useful looking security turn out in the walk to the changing rooms . Anyhow everyone had their pasta, and we all went home. By the way we won again, 3 pts we beat Greenwich Borough and we are the Simon Halsey’s blue and White army ...’

Thanks Keith.

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 13th February 2010
Lordswood 0-2 Herne Bay

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This was never going to be an easy fixture for Bay; forget the league table, Jason Lillis, ex Bay manager, has started to get a good side together at Lordswood who remain unbeaten in their last four fixtures against Beckenham Town, Greenwich, Erith & Belvedere and Sporting Bengal.
Taking points off Bay would  have been sweet but at 4.45pm I think Jason would agree that this Bay side is really up for the challenge of winning some silverware this season.
Lordswood’s game plan was to stop Bay playing, and they this with great effect during the first half. Their only lapse came in the 13th minute allowing Michael Jenner to drive a low shot through the legs of players in a congested penalty area to give Bay an early lead. In fairness  it was a fantastic move which brought about the goal. Neil Perkins spread the ball wide to Simon Moore. Sid threaded the ball down the line to Danny Lawrence. Dan took the ball to the bye line  before crossing into the  box. Luke Harvey battled for the ball, and managed to push it  to Jenner who raced in and drilled the bal home.
Bay had several further chances but failed to pressed home their advantage.
Perkins came the closest in the 40th minute when his power header from a Sean Bremner corner was headed clear off the line with the keeper beaten.
The 2nd period became very much like the Alamo as Lordswood tired, Bay piled on the pressure. They had chance after chance but failed to apply that killer instinct. Then in the 60th minute the lead was extended. A long ball from the left was headed on by  Luke Harvey finding Lawrence free on the edge of the box. Getting the ball under control  he coolly volleyed the ball across Arnott into the far corner of the goal.
From this moment on Bay threw everything at their hosts and should have put the game well out of reach of the home side. Jenner wasted three guilt edge chances. Darren Marsden two, Michael Turner two and Lawrence one. Arnott in the
Lordswood goal did produce a number of very brave one on one saves.
With a couple of minutes left in the game Bay could have rued all these missed chances as Dan Eason was asked to produce two outstanding saves. Fortunately he did and Bay came away with 3 points and another clean sheet.

attendance 172

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, M Turner, , D Lawrence, Marsden
J Turner, Harvey, Jenner
Subs:  R Lawrence (Harvey 73 mins)
Not Used: King,  Gess, Crofts,  Eastwood

 Man of the Match:  Neil Perkins

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 6th February 2010
Herne Bay 2-1 Beckenham Town

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Visitors, Beckenham, finished this game with only 9 players and no manager after the match official produced double yellow cards in a feisty contest on a very slippery and muddy pitch. All the early pressure came from Herne Bay and they could have easily have scored twice in the opening five minutes.
Beckenham started to get to grips with the surface and pushed Bay back. Dan Eason was forced into making a one handed save following a snap long range shot from Nick Curran.
After a quarter of an hour Bay broke the deadlock and what a bizarre goal it was, Stuart King was put through but failed to get control of the ball. Becks keeper, Nick Blue, came out and  tried to be clever and play football instead of clearing it. He slipped in the mud, knocking the ball to the feel of Luke Harvey, who simply stroked the ball into the empty net from 35 yards. 1-0
Four minutes later Bay had doubled the score and Stuart King was involved again. Darren Marsden put King away down the right. Checking his run, he gained that required yard from his marker to enable him to pull the ball back into the path of Michael Jenner who drove the ball into the top corner. 2-0
It was all Bay, with the visitors finding it difficult to come to terms with the quick one touch passing, it looked like this would end up being a trouncing. On the half hour, Danny Lawrence sent a cross into the box where Sean Bremner dived full length to head the ball inches wide of the far post.
Just before half time Beckenham were reduced to 10 men. A seemingly innocuous challenge from Dan Lawson on Lawrence, just inside the Beckenham half, saw the match official produce a yellow card, followed by a red: as Lawson had already been booked  for an early challenge on King.
Just before the half time whistle Marsden raced through and with only the keeper to beat smashed the ball into the side netting.
As with last week’s game,  Bay took their foot off the pedal in the second half. Sloppy passing and no apparent urgency allowed 10 man Beckenham to dominate large periods of the half and they made Bay pay when from a corner defender, James Holder rose unchallenged in the box to power a header past Eason 2-1.
Bay substituted King and brought on James Turner. The visitors were showing signs of tiredness after the tremendous effort the 10 men were putting in. Turner’s speed and skill were causing all sorts of problems and with 10 minutes left in the game Bay had regained control. Turner received a ball wide on the left, raced into the box, rounded two defenders and then the keeper, before firing in a low drive which was blocked on the goal line by a defender. Undeterred Bay pushed forward. First of all Harvey fired a low drive into the bottom corner  and then a minute later, after great work by Lawrence, Marsden broke through in between two defenders to hammer the ball home, but on both occasions  the assistant referee raised the flag for offside, much to the disgust of all the Bay forwards.
Then in the dying seconds all hell let loose after a tackle from Darren Wise for which he received a 2nd yellow and the manager was dismissed from the field of play.

Attendance: 156

Team:  Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, M Turner, D Lawrence, Marsden, King, Harvey, Jenner
Subs: Gess (50 mins Moore) J Turner (65 mins King)  Crofts (82 mins Marsden)

Not used: R Lawrence, Valencia

Man of The Match: Sean Bremner

 

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 30th Jaunary 2010
Sporting Bengal Utd 1-3 Herne Bay

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On a very slippery, muddy pitch at The Mile End Stadium Herne Bay got the result they wanted in order to get nearer to Faversham at the top of the table. Stuart King made his first start of the season and Luke Harvey led the attack.
Bay  were very quick off the mark  with three goal attempts in the first two minutes. In the 3rd minute Harvey received a great through ball from  Michael Jenner and as he turned his marker he was brought down. A penalty awarded and the defender being sent off for preventing a goal scoring opportunity. King coolly sent keeper, Harness, the wrong way. 1-0
Sporting had their first threat  on our goal after 18 minutes. From a free kick Danny Lawrence missed a headed clearance and the ball  fell to John Donoghue but he failed to get the ball under control and hurriedly blasted over the bar from 8 yards out.
6 minutes later, from another free kick, Prince Pippen forced Dan Eason into producing a fine save. Bay struck back immediately; the ball was fed out to King  wide on the right, he cut in and played a sublime pass through the defence to Harvey who rounded Harness and smashed the ball into the back of the net. 2-0.
Sporting Bengal’s only chances in the half came from free kicks. Their 3rd had Eason diving low to his right at his far post to push the shot away for a corner.
Darren Marsden extended the lead in the 40th minute. A forceful run down the left flank by Michael Turner followed by a low driven cross into the box found Harvey. His shot was forced out wide by the defender but Marsden was at hand to slide the ball into the bottom corner. 3-0
Unfortunately the second half was a total anti climax and 45 minutes to forget. Bay allowed their concentration and urgency to wane allowing Sporting to force them back. We all know how difficult it is to play against 10 men but I do feel we lowered our standards today and became complacent. knowing we wouldn’t lose the game. In fact it looked like Bay were the side playing with 10 men, not Sporting Bengal!
To cap this lethargic 2nd half performance they managed to concede a goal in the 80th minute. Slack defending allowed Sporting’s leading scorer, Jon Donoghue, a free shot on goal  which  beat Eason’s despairing dive. Very disappointing.
Not very impressed with the officials  today, they also produced a very disappointing performance with some absolutely diabolical and perplexing decisions. I will not comment any further as I might say something I may regret.

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, M Turner, Marsden, D Lawrence, King,  Jenner, Harvey
Subs:  Gess (M Turner 57 mins) Crofts (Lawrence 65 mins) Valencia (Marsden 65 mins) 
Not Used:   J Turner R Lawrence

 Man of the Match: Michael Jenner

 

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Premier Division Cup 1/4 final 2nd leg
Wednesday 27th January 2010
Herne Bay 1-1 Hythe Town

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Hythe came to the Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field  trying to overturn  a 2 goal deficit from last weeks game. They threw everything into it giving 100% effort on a surface which probably suited them better than it did our own ball players. In fairness to them they arrived with a very small squad, with new signings unable to play and injuries to key players. But the football they played was the best I have seen from them. No long ball tactics tonight.
The first goal was always going to be the decider and what a goal it was. From a corner the ball fell to Darren Marsden. He took the ball away from the goal and then cut back and fired in a cross which Dave Cook headed clear. Michael Jenner collected the ball rounded the defender and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner. 28 minutes gone 1-0 to Bay and 3-0 on aggregate.
Hythe to their credit kept up their passing game and the quick closing down of Bay’s players. 6 minutes later they were deservedly level and the goal scored by Michael Yianni was very similar to Jenners.  Yianni showed great control while under pressure from Steve Hanson and Neil Perkins. Once he had the ball under control he unleashed a shot which deflected off Hanson’s boot and looped over Dan Eason.
Bay created one more chance in the half.  Rob Lawrence took on two defenders before feeding the ball to Michael Turner, who unfortunately smashed the ball high and wide over the bar. A similar move in the second half this time saw twin brother, James, hitting wide of the target.
Hythe nearly took the lead in the 75th minute. From a free kick 20 yards out the ball was hit towards the near post and flicked on, but a fine reflex save from Eason kept the tie level. Bay went straight up the other end with Luke Harvey racing through one on one with the Keiran Mann. Harvey shot but Mann blocked the ball which ricocheted to Marsden. His shot was deflected away for a corner. This was the last chance of the game and Hythe were showing signs of tiredness after the tremendous effort they had put into the game and the match petered out as a contest .
Bay now go into the draw for the semi final along with Beckenham and Sevenoaks who both qualified earlier in the week.

Attendance 86

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, , Marsden, D Lawrence,
M Turner, Jenner, Harvey, R Lawrence
Subs: Harvey  (R Lawrence 65 mins) King (J Turner 65 mins) Crofts (M Turner 84mins)
Not Used:  Valencia, Gess

Man of the Match: Michael Jenner

 

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Umbro Kent Senior Trophy 1/4 Final
Saturday 23rd January 2010
Herne Bay 3-1 Holmesdale

Report by Ray Kelly

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Bay moved into the semi final of the Umbro Kent Senior Trophy after a hard forght 3-1 victory against Holmsdale.
Two goals from Darren Marsden and one from Rob Lawrence saw off a dogged challenge from the Dalers at Winchs Field.
An unusually sluggish start from the Bay side saw them go behind after only 7mins. when Ben Chick caught the defence flat-footed and fired in from 10yds.giving Dan Eason no chance.
This goal was the wake up call and from then on Bay started to lift their game and chances fell to Rob Lawrence, James Turner and Steve Hansen but timely interventions from Scot Borthwick and Cassey Jones in the Dalers defence prevented an equaliser.
In the 38th min. Danny Lawrence and James Turner combined well down the left flank and fed a great ball to Marsden who slammed in from 10yds to equalise. Just on half time more good work from Marsden almost resulted in Rob Lawrence heading the Bay in front but alas his header flew just wide.  Half time  1-1.
Bay took control in the second half and restricted the Dalers to the occasional break out. With Sean Bremner and simon Moore overlapping down both flanks a string of chances came the Bays way.
James Turner,Rob Lawrence and Danny Lawrence all went close before, in the 64min. Danny Lawrence floated over a perfect cross for brother Rob to fire past Williams in the Holmsdale goal to put Bay 2-1 up.
On 70mins Manager Simon Halsey replaced Rob Lawrence and James Turner with Stuart King and David Crofts. In the 85min. Bay should have taken the lead when Dan Lawrence crossed a great ball only for Crofts to head onto the bar.
A min. later Bay were indebted to Dan Eason who saved brilliantly from Steve Strotten and from the resulting cornner the ball was cleared to Darren Marsden who ghosted past the Dalers defence to slam the ball past Williams to secure the win. final score 3-1 .

Attendence 75

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, Jenner, D Lawrence, Marsden, J Turner, M Turner, R Lawrence
Subs: King (R Lawrence 70), Crofts (J Turner 72), Maxted, Valencia (M Turner 83), R Brown.

M.O.M.  Darren Marsden.

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Premier Division Cup 1/4 Final 1st Leg
Tuesday 19th January 2010
Hythe Town 0-2 Herne Bay

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James Turner and substitute David Crofts got Bay's second half goals. After a fairly even first half in which Bay had a couple of chances but didn't finish them, they dominated the second period and had chance after chance. It was in the 64th minute that James finally broke the deadlock with a fine finish from just inside Hythe's box. David Crofts lunged in to head home a thoroughly deserved second in the 88th minute. Even then Stuart King could, and probably should have added a third but chipped into the keepers arms when one on one. The second leg is on Wednesday 27th.

Attendance 102

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 2nd January 2010
Herne Bay 3-0 Tunbridge Wells

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Thanks to some fantastic work on the frozen pitch by Charlie Turner from 10am onwards, he managed to thaw out and remove all the frozen ridges in the centre spot and both goalmouth areas in order for the match referee to pass it fit for play at 12 ‘o’ clock. Many thanks Charlie, brilliant work.
Was it worth getting the pitch playable. Absolutely, as Bay put on another sublime performance to secure 3 more points and with leaders, Faversham, losing in the early kick off, it rounded off a great day. The only disappointment was the attendance, which was very low considering we were the only game on in the area.
The football produced in the 1st half was fantastic; the visitors struggled to live with the pace and the passing of this young Bay side. The pair of brothers, Lawrence and Turners tore the Wells defenders ragged and it was more by good fortune that they prevented Bay from scoring until the 28th minute. Goal line clearances and good saves by Mikelle Czannar were the order of the day.
Bay broke the deadlock when defender, Jason Bourne, failed to clear a  cross from Simon Moore. As the ball broke loose Michael Turner was first to react, steering the ball into the far corner.1-0.
Two minutes later the lead was doubled and what a cracking goal this was. Again panic in the Wells defence with a mis-kicked clearance  falling to Danny Lawrence standing on the edge of the area, who coolly took the ball under control as it fell from a great height, allowing it one bounce, he struck a fantastic volley which  flew past Czannar into the top corner.2-0. Bay were absolutely rampant but they just couldn’t increase the scoreline. The closest chance from Rob Lawrence whose volley hit the upright,with the keeper beaten.
The second half was not so entertaining as Wells worked their socks off closing down our ball players and stifling our play. Bay looked like increasing their lead in the 56th minute. Rob Lawrence chased a ball down and managed to just nick the ball away from the keeper, unfortunately this took him away from the goal but he quickly got the ball under control and with the keeper stranded out of his goal, he floated the ball towards the far post where a diving header from a defender kept the ball out. The headed clearance fell to Sean Bremner who fired in a great volley towards the top corner. Czannar however had got back in position to produce a fabulous fingertip save to push the ball around  the post.
Danny Lawrence, who had a great match, had to be carried off after he was caught by a late tackle . The offending player being shown a red card.
The game was fizzling out as a contest but the introduction of Stuart King seemed to put a bit of spark back into the attack. With the extra man advantage Bay were finding more and more space. Five minutes before the end, James Turner gaining possession on the half way line, raced at the Wells defence. He jinked past one and drew the other to him before releasing a pass to put King away on the right. King cut back into the box and faked a shot, causing  Czannar to slip, and then  fired a low shot into the bottom corner. 3-0 and game over.
A fantastic performance from the defence today. Their total dominance of the Wells forwards  left Dan Eason as a spectator for almost all of  the game. Bremner and Moore were able to link up with the attack as and when they felt like it. Neil Perkins and Steve Hanson were as solid as a rock.
Also another great team performance today, the work rate was fantastic and the football produced in the first half was on par with the Erith & Belvedere display. Who says we can’t play football on our own pitch! 

Attendance: 160

 Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, M Turner, Marsden, D Lawrence, R Lawrence,  Jenner, J Turner
Subs: Gess (D Lawrence 60 mins) Crofts  (Marsden 79 mins)  King (R Lawrence 80 mins) 
Not Used:  Kane, Valencia

 Man of the Match: Michael Turner

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Kent Senior Trophy 2nd Round
Saturday 12th December 2009
Tunbridge Wells 1-2 Herne Bay

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A spectacular strike from Michael Jenner, from a 20 yard free kick, in the opening minute of the 2nd half got Bay back into the game after going  one down in the 25th minute to a very different Tunbridge Wells side to that we met early in the season.
The first quarter was a very even affair with both teams looking to achieve the early opening.
Darren Marsden's first shot on goal was comfortably saved by Mikelle Czannar in the 15th minute. Wells struck back immediately as Benji Agana headed over after good work from winger, Nick Graham. Graham went close 7 minutes later when he beat the offside trap down the right flank.  He advanced into the box and placed his shot wide of Dan Eason, but Neil Perkins cleared off the line at the far post.
Wells were exerting good pressure and from a debatable corner Agana headed home from close range to give the hosts a well deserved lead.
Bay hit back straight away. Following some good inter-passing between Luke Harvey and Danny Lawrence the ball was passed back to Marsden whose first time shot found Czannar in good form, producing a one arm save. Czannar, who must be one of the best keepers in the Kent League, pulled off another fine save from a Rob Lawrence volley. With 5 minutes  left in the half Eason, not to be outdone, produced his best save of the day, diving full length to divert a powerful strike  around the upright.
As with the previous game, Bay raised their game in the 2nd half. Spurred on by Jenner’s fantastic goal, which even Czannar got nowhere near! Bay took a grip on the game. 10 minutes into the half and another brilliant save from the keeper, keeping out a fierce volley from Rob Lawrence to keep the scores level.
Harvey pulled up with a thigh injury in the 59th minute and was replaced by James Turner, who had an immediate impact on the game. Linking up with twin brother, Michael, with forceful runs at the Wells defence. Following a great run down the right from Michael, his cross to the far post was headed just wide by James. He made no mistake a minute later, smashing the ball home  through a crowded penalty area from 10 yards after Rob Lawrence pulled the ball back to give him the scoring opportunity.
Wells upped the pressure but the defence held firm preventing any threat on Eason’s goal to run out deserved winners and into the next round of the competition when we are at home to Holmesdale on Saturday 9th January.

Attendance: 70

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Perkins, Hanson, Marsden, D Lawrence, M Turner, Jenner, Harvey, R Lawrence
Subs:  J Turner (Harvey 59 mins) Gess( Marsden 80 mins) 
Not Used:  Valencia, R Brown, King

 Man of the Match: Neil Perkins.

 

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 28th November 2009
Erith & Belvedere 0-4 Herne Bay

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What a performance by Herne Bay today. In a game which they had to win, they produced one of the finest  displays of attacking football  I have ever seen since being involved with the Club.
Bay put their mark on the game almost as soon as the game kicked off and went in front as early as the 3rd minute . Dan Lawrence raced down the wing, pulled the ball back to Simon Moore to cross to the far post where Michael Turner, with a diving header, placed the ball into the top corner.  Two minutes later the lead had been doubled . Michael Jenner crashed a shot against the upright; the ball came back into the area but the ‘Deres defence failed to clear and Luke Harvey capitalized on this by drilling the ball  under keeper, Matt Bromby.
For the next 40 minutes Bay continued in this attacking vein. After 15 minutes Dan Lawrence, who was given far too much room by his marker, ran to the edge of the area and his cross was met by Darren Marsden whose shot brought a fine save out of Bromby. Erith had a rare scoring opportunity in the 25th minute but it was the upright that came to Dan Eason’s rescue. In a three minute spell on the half hour Bay could have tripled their lead.
First, Lawrence (D) raced through the defensive line and with only the keeper to beat he passed to Turner, who was prevented from scoring by a fine intercepted clearance. From the corner kick Steve Hanson’s forceful header  was cleared off the line with Bromby beaten. Bay came straight back and Harvey forced Bromby into making a full length diving save from his powerfully hit volley. Just before the interval, Harvey again powered in a shot, with the keeper  beaten but again the defender on the line cleared.
2-0 at half time but it could have easily have been 6-1.
Bay continued  the 2nd period  at the same pace as the 1st. After a great one-two between Turner and Marsden, Marsden placed his shot just wide of the upright . One minute later it was 3-0. Sean Bremner took the ball down to the bye line and crossed into the box, where Turner and Rob Lawrence were left totally free and between them they had time to decide who would put the ball into net,. Lawrence duly obliged. The ‘Deres thought the referee should have disallowed the goal for offside, but after consulting his assistant let the goal stand.
Two more chances went begging in the next five minutes. Eason’s clearance deep into the Erith half was instantly controlled by Lawrence (R) as he raced in behind the defensive line but  Bromby again saved his goal attempt. Two minutes later  good  interplay between Turner , Lawrence(R) and Harvey resulted in Harvey hitting just wide. Lawrence (D) prior to be substituted  made another forceful run at the defence, played a ball across the box, which brother Rob stepped over allowing the ball to run to Turner who made no mistake from three yards. A number of substitutions took place and Bay played out time  to record a very comfortable victory.
Compliments from ‘deres manager, Richie Radbourne, at the end of the game . He came into the changing room and shook the hand of every Bay player, congratulating them on a fantastic performance. Stating that he has never seen a side outplay any one of his teams as Bay did today, adding Herne Bay gave them a football lesson.
It would be totally unfair to give a man of the match today as the whole team performed brilliantly.
A lot of credit must go to the  Turner (M) and the Lawrence brothers, Rob and Michael or some outstanding play up front and Dan for those superb attacking runs. Hanson absolutely awesome. The defensive line, Simon Moore, Jamie Maxted and Bremner wasl very solid, restricting the ‘deres to so few attempts on goal. Jenner and Marsden  controlled the midfield. Harvey battled tirelessly up front  and Eason after failing to hold onto the ball, recovered to pull off  a good save to ensure a clean sheet was achieved.

attendance: 78

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Jenner,  Marsden, D Lawrence, R Lawrence, 
Harvey, M Turner
Subs: Gess (D Lawrence 70 mins) Perkins ( Marsden 75 mins)  J Turner (R Lawrence 81 mins) 
Not Used:  Crofts  Valencia

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 21st November 2009
Herne Bay 1-0 Holmesdale

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Herne Bay finally got the goal that secured three very valuable points, against a very resolute Holmesdale side with only minutes to play thanks to substitute, Michael Jenner.
It was somewhat surprisingly that only one goal separated the two sides but both keepers, Dan Eason for Bay and Jamie Williams for Holmesdale, were absolutely outstanding. Between them they prevented the score from being at least 4-4!
Williams was the first to see action as early as the 6th minute. Luke Harvey pulled the ball back from the by-line. A scrambled clearance  found James Turner who with his back to goal hit an overhead kick which Williams spectacularly tipped over.
Homesdale struck back, and indeed should have scored, when Badar Mohammed raced away down the left flank and sent a fierce cross into the box which was met by Tony Atkins but his shot hit the post. The upright again came to Bay’s rescue seconds later when a Jason Thompson bullet free kick was saved by a diving Eason, pushing the shot against the post. Atkins just failed to connect with the follow up.
On the half hour. David Crofts slid the ball to Harvey in the box who passed it back for Turner to drive a powerful shot towards the top corner but Williams, with another spectacular flying save, tipped the ball away for a corner.
Michael Turner should have put Bay in the lead just before the break when he beat the offside trap and looped the ball over the advancing Williams but the ball went agonisingly wide of the upright.
The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges in the 2nd period and it needed two good saves from Eason to prevent Atkins from scoring. It was end to end football and with both keepers in really brilliant form it looked like a 0-0 draw would be the outcome. That was until the 88th minute when Darren Marsden took the ball past several Holmesdale defenders before playing it to Harvey 8 yards out. A quick back heel pass came to Jenner who drove the ball low towards the bottom corner. It looked as if Williams  had saved it but Jenner had hit it with such power that he just couldn’t hold onto the ball and it rolled over the line to the delight of the Bay players and supporters alike.

Attendance: 120

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Crofts, Marsden, Knight,  M Turner, Harvey, JTurner
Subs:   Jenner (M Turner 70 mins) Perkins (Crofts 80 mins) Valencia (Knight 80 mins) 
Not Used:  R Lawrence

 Man of the Match: Dan Eason.

 

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FA Vase Second Round
Saturday 14th November
Herne Bay 0-1 Flackwell Heath

On a rain swept  Safety Net Stadium Herne Bay went out of The Carlsberg FA Vase to a  Mitchell Woodward strike in the 17th minute of extra time. This was a real case of ‘smash and grab’ as Flackwell Heath headed back to High Wycombe, £1,200 richer and looking forward to Monday’s draw.
First of all many thanks to Charlie Turner and Tony Day for sweeping the water from the pitch at 8.30am to ensure that the pitch passed the early inspection. The match official upon arrival thought the pitch was in excellent condition considering the amount of rain that fell on Friday and overnight. Three quarters of an hour before the kick off,  the heavens opened and it looked like all efforts to get the pitch playable  were going to be in vain, but just before the kick off  the sun broke through and hopes were raised. Unfortunately the half hour deluge not only made the playing surface very wet and slippery, but it kept many supporters away.
The referee booked Woodward inside the first 10 minutes after he made a reckless challenge on
Darren Marsden. It was a pity the official didn't continue in this vein. His inconsistencies, particularly in the second half, beggared belief.
The conditions  made playing football very difficult and Bay found it hard to control the ball or indeed keep possession. Flackwell on the other hand always looked assured with the first touch control and quick precision passing.   For the first half,  Flackwell looked very comfortable at the back and in the midfield as Bay struggled to find a way through . Despite this the visitors never really threatened Dan Eason; one solitary long range shot which Eason tipped over  the bar. Rob Lawrence came closest to opening the scoring as he broke through, beating the offside play, but his shot went agonisingly wide of the upright with the keeper beaten.  The second period saw a much better Herne Bay, with Marsden and David Crofts controlling the midfield. Wave upon wave of attacks penned the visitors in their own half for long periods but Bay just could'nt seem to make the break through, again playing far too much football  rather than shooting. Bay had a very good shout for a penalty  when Michael Turner, after getting round his marker, was unceremoniously brought down. To the disbelief of all, including the visitors, the referee waved play on! This was a cast iron penalty if ever there was one!
As the second period drew to an end  it was a very dominant Bay who pressed for the goal, with Luke Harvey  shooting wide  on a couple of occasions and Danny Lawrence firing a couple of crosses into the box with nobody being able to get a touch. Stuart King made his first appearance of the season, replacing Rob Lawrence in the 85th minute, and Aaron Knight replaced Turner at the start of extra time.
Bay attacked relentlessly but just didn’t seem to have that cutting edge to make the break through.
Into the final 15 minutes, and the wind started gusting very strongly. With this wind at their backs, Flackwell  pressed forward and it was Woodward who brought the ball out of defence , advancing over the half way line. The Bay defenders backed away instead of closing Woodward down and full credit to him, he saw his opportunity and let fly a thunderbolt shot from 25 yards, which gave Eason no chance as it looped into the top corner.
Bay never gave up and pushed forward looking for the equalizer. Knight produced a piece of real magic as he took on three defenders  and drilled a low cross which Harvey fired towards the goal, but struck the base of the upright. Lady luck deserted Bay, as a shot from King was deflected away from the keeper but cleared off the line by the defender. One more chance in the dying seconds saw the keeper save with his shins.
Congratulations to Flackwell Heath. They played some very good defensive football today without a number of key players available. Their delight was seen by all as they raced onto the pitch to celebrate the goal and again at the end.

Attendance: 165

Team: Eason, Moore, Bremner, Maxted, Hanson, Crofts, D Lawrence, Marsden, R Lawrence, Harvey, M Turner,       
Subs: Knight (Turner 105 mins), King (Lawrence R 85mins)
Not Used:  Jenner, Perkins, Forster     

Man of the Match: Jamie Maxted            

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 7th November 2009
Faversham Town 3-0 Herne Bay

Very strange tactics today with a very disappointing outcome. Herne Bay chose to play a  long ball game today with central defender Steve Hanson playing upfront alongside Luke Harvey. Also very strange was to have our best ball player, Darren Marsden, on the bench for 60 minutes of the game. A first start was given to a former Bay player, Richard Styles, at right back at the expense of Simon Moore. Also on the bench to make way for Hanson was Rob Lawrence, who has scored 5 goals in his last five games.
Bay were guilty of conceding too many early free kicks in their own half but fortunately all of the dead ball kicks were over hit by Town. Faversham never chose to change their game; clearing their lines as quickly as possible and using the long ball down the flanks for Damian Abel and Mike Smissen to chase down. Bay were handling this very well and indeed struck back  with good threats on Robert French in the host’s goal. In fact Bay could have taken the lead in the 20th minute but the header went just wide of the upright.
Bay received two bookings inside the first 30 minutes; both for clumsy challenges and
certainly not worthy of a card but this official seemed to dislike the Bay players for some reason. 80% of his decisions went in favour of the home side. Then the game changed in the 30th minute. Sean Bremner made a rash challenge inside the box. Smissen  made the most of the challenge, falling convincingly enough to allow this official to point to the spot.
Lee Shearer hit the spot kick straight down the centre past Shaun Smith in goal to put Town  into the lead. As the half drew to a close, French produced three consecutive saves to maintain Town’s slender lead. A fabulous flowing move between Harvey, Danny Lawrence and Hanson, saw French get a strong hand to push the shot  against the upright  and away for a corner. From the corner Josh Maine fired a low drive, which again French managed to parry out. The ball looped out to David Crofts but French produced a point blank reflex save from  Crofts volley.
Bay started the second half pushing forward looking for the equalizer but then another slip by Bremner allowed Abel to sprint away towards Smith. As the defenders  chased back Abel slid the ball back to Dale Skelton who made no mistake with a fine volley into the top corner.
The game was all over as a contest in the 58th minute when ex-Bay Dave Soutan bundled the ball over the line at the near post  despite the brave efforts of Smith to keep the ball out.
Good battling performances from Hanson, Maine, Harvey and Neil Perkins. Tireless work from Jamie Maxted, Lawrence and Crofts. But this was to be all in vain as Faversham 
easily defended our  high ball crosses which seemed to be our chosen  play for the day.
It was only in the last 20 minutes that we started to  play our passing football with Darren Marsden’s directing every attack to effect  any real pressure on Town’s defence.
A very disappointing day.

Team: Smith, Styles, Bremner, Hanson, Maine, Crofts, D Lawrence, Perkins, Maxted,
Harvey, Knight.
Subs: Jenner (Knight 57mins) Marsden (Crofts 63 mins) R Lawrence (Lawrence 78 mins)
Not Used: King, Moore
Man of the Match: Steve Hanson

Attendance: 303

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Kent League Premier Division Cup 2nd leg
Saturday 31st October 2009
Herne Bay Holmesdale

A strong team performance today with a considerably different line up from the 1st leg.
Out went Marsden, Greenfield, Eason and Jenner for playing Thursday evening  for another team instead of training and with Josh Maine and Ross Brown both injured, in came Shaun Smith, Jamie Maxted, and Aaron Knight. Andy Forster, Lewis Taylor,and Stuart King added to the ‘bench’.
Bay looked to have a more balanced shape and defensively looked solid. The midfield had some bite and with David Crofts and Neil Perkins distributing the ball very well, it gave the Lawrence brothers and Luke Harvey up front plenty of opportunities to threaten the Holmesdale defence. Danny in particular was giving the visitors defence a real torrid time.
The only goal of the game came in the 30th minute and It was the three front players who combined brilliantly  to give Rob Lawrence his fifth goal in his last five games since being promoted up from the reserves. Harvey received the ball 35 yards out and threaded a pass between the two central defenders to put Danny Lawrence clean away.
He could have chosen to score himself but unselfishly pulled the ball back across the box to give his younger brother the easiest of scoring chances.
Smith in goal only had one real save to make in the whole game and that being from a speculative shot from 30 yards from Holmesdale’s, Ben Chick.
Some very good performances today; Steve Hanson absolutely awesome, didn’t miss a thing and never gave Holmesdale’s striker, Jason Thompson, a single opportunity to threaten Smith in goal. Neil Perkins proved to be very effective in breaking up the visitors attacks and David Crofts never wasted a pass or gave the ball away.
Full backs Simon Moore and Sean Bremner defender well and made several effective forays down the flanks. Maxted  gave a very composed performance alongside Hanson and for his overall performance was named man of the match.
So a clean sheet for the second time this season and Bay will look to make up ground on leaders, Faversham, on their visit to Salters Lane next Saturday.

Attendance: 135

Team: Smith, Moore, Bremner,  Maxted, Hanson, Crofts, Perkins, R Lawrence, Harvey,
D Lawrence, Knight
Subs: M Turner ( Knight 75 mins)  Farrell (R Lawrence 70 mins)
Not Used: Forster, King, Taylor 

 Man of the Match: Jamie Maxted.

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Kent League Premier Division Cup 1st Leg
Saturday 24th October 2009
Holmesdale 1-2 Herne Bay

Herne Bay always struggle to score on the lush playing surface at Oakley Road and it took a former Holmesdale player, David Crofts, to show Bay how to score. A very eventful day for Crofts though as he was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball on the goal line and considered to have prevented a goal scoring opportunity  so was shown a red card. This was the most ridiculous decision witnessed so far this season. The ball was smashed straight at Crofts from one yard. It hit him  on the chest, as the  red bruising confirmed. The assistant referee standing 30 yards away signalled a  deliberate handball, leaving the referee with no choice but to send Crofts off. It is ironic that the same official gave a similar handball against Simon Moore when we played Fisher and even more ironic is that he failed to see a elbow into Luke Harvey’s head  when he was standing less than 10 yards away, which resulted in blood pouring from Luke’s head .
Justice was done when Dan Eason chose the right way to push the spot kick away with a full length diving save.
The first half of the game belonged to Holmesdale, Bay’s defence  was all over the place and Tony Atkins and Dan Moody were causing all sorts of problems.  Eason being called upon to make a couple of fine saves from both these players. It was against the run of play that Bay took the lead . From a corner Crofts headed in from close range. Unfortunately the lead was short lived as Holmesdale hit back immediately from the restart. Josh Maine got the wrong side of Moody  who wasted no chance in firing past Eason from 10 yards.
Maine, who appeared to be carrying an injury, was replaced by Ross Brown before the restart. Bay’s defence looked much  better now and with this came more into the game as the first half came to an end.
Holmesdale started the 2nd half the brighter of the two sides and Atkins again went close  but Eason was equal to the task and produced another crucial save.
Bay took the lead from another corner in the 56th minute. A short corner saw the ball crossed to far post where Rob Lawrence side footed the ball back  for Crofts to hit a right foot volley which deflected off the keeper into the top corner of the goal. Again there was some controversy about this goal as the assistant referee failed to notice that the ball had gone out of play when it was crossed to the far post!
Bay were now in  control and should have increased their lead when Harvey struck a shot from fully 40 yards only to smash against the bar  with the keeper absolutely nowhere.
The last chance of the game went to Holmesdale  in the dying minutes.  The ball was crossed in but Eason dropped the ball, in the ensuing scramble the ball was first blocked by Steve Hansen and then Moody smashed the ball straight at Crofts.
Then the pantomime started.
A good 2-1 victory to take into the 2nd leg but Bay must consider themselves very fortunate to come away with this lead . They must defend better in the 2nd leg if they wish to progress to the next round.

Team: Eason,  Moore, Bremner, Maine, Hanson, Crofts, Perkins, R Lawrence, Harvey,
Marsden, D Lawrence
Subs: R Brown ( Maine 30 mins) M Turner ( Marsden 64 mins)  Jenner (R Lawrence 65 mins)
Not Used: , Greenfield

 Man of the Match: David Crofts .

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 17th October 2009
Herne Bay 1-1 Corinthian

Well today it was Mr Hyde who turned up at The Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field. After witnessing a scintillating Dr Jeckel performance last weekend at Sevenoaks, this to say the least was very disappointing. Taking nothing away from this young Corinthian side, who are still trying to get their first victory in the Kent League. On their play today this will not be too long coming!  Indeed they were very unlucky not to secure the points today and if not for a rather kind offside decision they would have  secured a 2-1 victory. Their second half     performance put Bay to shame. Bay were quite delighted to hear the referee blow for time.  A fantastic 2nd half performance from Steve Hanson ensured Bay  got at least a point.
The problem was Bay, in the first half, played the Corinthian youngsters off the park and after scoring in the 21st minute thought it was going to be a cakewalk.
The goal came about after a  piece of quick thinking  by Bryan Greenfield. As Corinthian tried to delay the taking of a free kick, by having the wall 3 yards away from the ball. Greenfield took the opportunity  of playing a quick pass through to Darren Marsden. Marsden’s floated the ball  to the far post where Hanson at the far post nodded the ball back across the goal where Rob Lawrence had the easiest of chances to head the ball home from close range.1-0
Bay should have doubled their lead on 35 minutes following a quick one-two between the Lawrence boys. But Rob’s final shot was blocked by the keeper and in the ensuing goalmouth scramble, Corinthian managed to get the ball away to safety.
5 minutes later and the visitors were level. A fast breakaway saw Ross Brown get on the wrong side of David Bryant. Bryant turned inside  Brown and as he advanced on Dan Eason he fired a left foot volley with the outside of his boot to give Eason no chance. 1-1
Corinthian thought they had taken the lead in the 70th minute. Ray Mfon chased a ball down to the by-line , pulling the ball back for James Morgan to flick the ball past Eason from 2 yards. Corinthiian’s delight turned to disappointment  when the assistant referee adjudged Mfon to have come back from an offside position before picking up the through ball.
Very hard luck on Corinthian. This young side will cause a lot of problems to many Kent League sides. They are getting to grips with the pace of the Kent League and with Tony Sitford and Adam Douglas in the Technical area they have two fine exponents of how to compete in non-league football.

Team: Eason, R Brown, S Bremner, Maine, Hanson, Perkins, D Lawrence, Marsden, R Lawrence, Farrell, Greenfield
Subs: M Turner (Greenfield 55 mins)  Moore (Brown 70 mins) Jenner (Farrell 75 mins)
Subs not used:  Crofts, Forster

 Attendance: 145

Man of the Match:  Steve Hanson

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 10th October 2009
Sevenoaks Town 1-5 Herne Bay

Bay came away from Greatness Park delighted with a 5-1 victory, but in reality it could have, and should have, been double this!  On paper this was going to be a very tough fixture. Sevenoaks have recruited a number of new players and in fact had only lost one game in the league this season.
Bay started very erratically! They looked to be a shadow of the side that defeated Hythe last week.
Defensively  they were ‘all at sea’ and looked very insecure. ‘Oaks pushed forward pinning Bay deep in their own half. The Bay defenders kept  winning the ball only to give it straight back to their hosts. It was felt the bright sunshine which blazed straight into the defenders eyes was the reason for this lack lustre start. (The supporters were split on this though!)
It took a full 20 minutes before Bay put their own mark on the game and it was captain fantastic, Luke Harvey, who  broke the deadlock. Receiving the ball in the box he brilliantly turned his marker and drove a low shot through a mass of players into the bottom corner. 1-0. Sevenoaks tried to get back in the game but in the space of 8 minutes Bay had increased their lead to four.
On the half hour man of the match, Rob Lawrence  doubled the lead. Danny Lawrence jinked past three defenders, slotted the ball into his brother’s path and his first time shot gave the keeper no chance.2-0
Two minutes later Rob chased down a back pass. Keeper, Emmanuel Odiase failed to control the bouncing ball . Rob sneaked in and nicked the ball, lobbing it with the outside of his boot  into the open goal. 3-0
It was now the ‘oaks defence ‘all at sea’. They just could seem to handle the flowing passing moves of this Bay team. 38 minutes and Neil Perkins raced through the defence to latch onto a loose ball to leave Odiase stranded. 4-0.
Sevenoaks pulled one back two minutes later. A slip by Ross Brown allowed Alfie Keroma to cross the ball. A Billy Shinners, diving, header  managed to escape the clutches of Dan Eason. 4-1. Indeed ‘Oaks could have  reduced the deficit just before the break but Danny Ward’s free kick smashed against the base of the upright and bounced away to safety.
The second period saw Bay produced some scintillating football.  A number of substitutions saw the introduction of Michael Turner, Simon Moore and, for the first time this season, Lee Farrell and it was Farrell who added the final goal. A flick on from Rob Lawrence saw Farrell nip in behind the defender to knock the ball home. 5-1.
As the game drew to a close it was all Bay with good passing football,  which always comes with a lead of four goals, but unfortunately no end result.  It was a case of trying to walk the ball into the goal instead of shooting.
Good performances from Neil Perkins, and in the 2nd half from, Steve Hanson but for his overall work rate, goals and assists, Rob gets the vote for man of the match.

Attendance: 89

Team: Eason,  R Brown, Bremner, Maine, Hanson, Perkins, D Lawrence, R Lawrence, Harvey,
Marsden, Greenfield
Subs: M Turner ( Greenfield 55 mins) Farrell (Harvey 63 mins) Moore (Perkins 68 mins) 
Not Used: , Forster,

Man of the Match:  Rob Lawrence

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FA Vase first round proper
Saturday 3rd October 2009
Herne Bay 1-0 Hythe Town

 A quite dreary first half with neither side really threatening the respective keepers.
The conditions, with high winds and a very hard and bumpy playing surface was not conducive to pretty football.
Hythe came to The Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field after two very hard games against Woking in The FA Cup. Their football today looked very lethargic and they never seemed to be able to raise their game after their FA cup exploits.
The only real chance of the first half fell to Hythe as early as the 3rd minute of the game.
A poor pass across the back line by Josh Maine presented the visitors with a clear chance , but Pat Kingwell’s interception and resulting shot failed to trouble Dan Eason as it flew high and wide over the bar.
Hythe were very physical and Referee Joss penalised their tactics by booking four players in the first period, much to the annoyance of the Hythe bench.
Bay started to play football in the second period and it  was a much more enjoyable game to watch. Substitute Rob Lawrence was a revelation with his work rate and ball skills. He posed problems for the Hythe defenders every time he received the ball. His brother Danny also produced another scintillating display of skill. The Hythe defenders just couldn’t handle the fluent passing moves created by Bay.
Captain, Luke Harvey led the front line with aplomb despite being under the weather with a heavy cold which prevented him from any training this week.
Bay won the game with a goal scored in the 57th minute by Rob Lawrence. A back pass  to  keeper, Keiron Mann was poorly cleared. The ball fell to Danny Lawrence. A quick pass to Darren Marsden, who slotted  the ball inside the defender into the path of Rob Lawrence. Lawrence advanced on the keeper and fired a low drive across Mann into the bottom corner. 1-0
Hythe reverted to their old style off booting the long ball upfield, but full credit to the Bay’s new defensive line up, who dealt with every Hythe attack superbly.  A welcome return to Herne Bay for Sean Bremner, who made a very impressive 2009 debut. Reserve player, Ross Brown at right back made a very solid first team start. Steve Hanson and Josh Maine dealt with the strong aerial challenge that Hythe Town’s play produced. Dan Eason only had one save to make in the whole game. In the 82nd minute Hythe’s top scorer Keiran Byrne broke through the defensive line. He bore down on the goal and fired a low drive  towards the goal. Eason was equal to the shot, blocking the ball with his feet and smothering it before the Hythe forward could follow up.
A very good second half  performance from  this Young Bay side; this victory earning them £1000  for their efforts. They now go into the draw for the 2nd Round Proper on Monday looking forward to another FA Vase fixture.

Attendance: 170

Team: Eason, R Brown, Bremner, Maine, Hanson, Crofts, D Lawrence, Marsden, J Turner, Harvey, Greenfield,
Subs: R Lawrence  (Turner 46 mins)
Not Used: Forster, M Turner

Man of the Match: Luke Harvey

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 26th September 2009
Greenwich Borough 2-0 Herne Bay

Herne Bay can’t keep playing good football, creating chance after chance and fail to convert at least one of them. Too many times Bay played liked Arsenal, trying to walk the ball into the goal instead of shooting.
Brorough, playing in Holmesdale home kit, were quite content with just getting the ball up to their front runner, Danny Hunt, relying on his speed and eye for goal. The first half was played at a very high tempo on a very lush playing surface.
As early as the 9th minute Borough were under pressure. James Turner was unceremoniously pulled down on the edge of the area. Michael Jenner struck a sweet free kick around the wall but a full stretch, diving save from Danny Firkins turned the ball away to safety.
It was end to end play with Hunt being the main threat for the home side. Dan Eason was equal to Firkins in the 35th minute. Hunt outpaced Steve Hanson and just when Bay feared the worse, Eason somehow turned his fierce shot around the upright.
The half ended with Bay looking the more likely team to score. Luke Harvey going close with a header and James Turner failed to get enough purchase on his shot from close range to beat the keeper.
An injured Turner and Jenner were replaced straight after the break. Borough upped the tempo but still relying on the long ball over the Bay defence, who were playing a rather high line. This play paid  dividends in the 50th minute. Hanson totally misjudged the flight of the ball and Hunt capitalised on this mistake to advance on the Bay goal and sliding the ball past Eason. 0-1
Bay struck back immediately. Simon Brown hit a volley which Firkins could only parry out. The ball fell to Harvey but he smashed the ball over the bar from close range!
10 minutes later another fine, but in the end over elaborate play, culminated in another good chance wasted. Too much football no end result.
The hosts then hit Bay with a breakaway goal. From a Bay corner the ball was overhit and Borough pumped the ball upfield, knowing that Hunt would be the willing chaser. This he did with aplomb, outpacing two defenders, he saw Eason advancing off his line and simply lobbed the ball over him into the goal. 0-2.
Bay could have been back in the game one minute later. Brown was brought down in the box. Up stepped Marsden but Firkins, who was having one of those days when everything goes your way, chose the right way and comfortably saved the spot kick. This was the last chance for Bay and for the 2nd match running they come away pointless.

Attendance: 32

 Team: Eason, Moore, Maxted, McQuade, Hanson, Jenner, S Brown  M Turner, Marsden, J Turner, Harvey,
Subs: Crofts( Jenner 46 mins) Greenfield (J Turner 46 mins) R Brown (McQuade 70 mins) 
Not Used: Taylor, Forster,

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Kent League Premier Division
Wednesday 23rd September 2009
Herne Bay 2-4 Faversham Town

Men against boys! Faversham totally dominated the first period and were well worth their 4-1 half time lead. They were well organised, physically stronger, tactically better and gave Bay a lesson in football.
The visitor chased Bay down and broke away with speed.
Bay’s defence was in tatters after Michael Smissen had struck twice inside the first 13  minutes.
The first coming from a free kick; the ball nodded down. A swift turn followed by a volley smashed past Dan Eason from 10 yards. The second another free kick and Smissen left unmarked looped his header over Eason.
Faversham looked like scoring every time they advanced into Bay’s half. Next it was Lee Shearer’s turn to cause havoc in the box. From another dead ball situation he nipped in to head the ball home beating  Eason to the ball.
22 minutes gone and Faversham were 3-0 up!
On 25 minutes Bay were given a lifeline. James Turner, who had given the full back a torrid time, was upended in the box.  Darren Marsden stepped up but keeper, Rob French was equal to the task. Marsden hit the ball low to French’s left but the keeper dived full stretch to comfortably smother the ball.
Bay were seeing a little more of the ball and the Turner twins in particular were causing the Faversham defenders all sorts of problems. 10 minutes later another penalty awarded to Bay; this time Steve Hanson blasted a shot from outside the box but the defender charged down his effort using his arms to protect himself.
Marsden again took the kick but this time chose to hit the ball low to the keeper’s right. French pulled off another good save but unfortunately couldn’t hold onto the ball and Marsden was able to race in and head the ball over the keeper. This should have given Bay a much needed boost but Faversham had different ideas. From a corner kick the ball came into the box. In the ensuing scramble that took place Shearer poked the ball over the line from close range to restore Faversham’s three goal advantage. Half time could not have come sooner.

Three substitutes started the 2nd half and it was a much more even contest. Was this due to Bay playing better or did Faversham ease up? Either way it didn’t make any difference to the result. As the half progressed Bay started to make inroads into Faversham half. But it wasn’t until the 80th minute before the deficit was reduced. Luke Harvey squeezing a low volley inside the upright  to make it 2-4.
James Turner had a great chance immediately after the goal but his jinking run followed by a fine volley  which  sailed agonisingly wide of the far post. If this had gone in it would have made a very interesting last 10 minutes. But ifs don't win football matches.
A fine performance from the twins who were both knocked all over the place but never gave up.
A brilliant performance from Faversham. If they are not pushing for promotion at the end of the season there I will be very surprised. This was probably one of the best visiting team performances seen at The Safety Net Stadium, Winch’s Field for many seasons.

Attendance: 301

 Team: Eason, Moore, Greenfield, Forster, Hanson, Crofts, M Turner, Marsden, J Turner, Harvey, Maxted
Subs: S Brown (Moore 46 mins) R Brown (Forster 46 mins)  D Lawrence (Greenfield 46 mins)
Not Used: Taylor, Knight

Man of the Match: James Turner

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FA Vase 2nd Round Qualifying
Saturday 19th September 2009
Farnham Town 0-4 Herne Bay

A small pitch with long grass covering a very bumpy playing surface greeted Bay in their visit to Combined Counties Division 1 side, Farnham Town.
As expected the home side were very quick out of the blocks, putting Bay under pressure in the first 10 minutes as the visitors struggled to come to terms with the irregular playing surface. The game changed around from the 9th minute when Darren Marsden jinked through the Farnham defence, firing a volley inches wide of the upright. This was all the encouragement Bay needed. They started to get to grips with the surface, moving the ball about with confidence.
On 13 minutes Bay took the lead. Michael Turner ‘nutmegged’  his marker  just inside the Farnham half, passing to twin brother, James who quickly moved the ball through to Luke Harvey on the edge of the box. Harvey got the ball under control then struck an unstoppable volley across the keeper into the top corner. 1-0.
Bay continued with their passing game , forcing Farnham to defend deep in their own half. The lead was doubled in the 25th minute. Marsden went on a solo run  into the box and as he jinked past the defender he was unceremoniously  tripped. From the spot kick he sent the keeper the wrong way  2-0.
Farnham were really finding it hard to live with Bay’s football. Harvey made it 3-0 after 34 minutes. James Turner dispossessed the midfielder  and immediately hit his pass  wide of Harvey’s marker. Harvey turned quickly,  striking a low drive under the diving keeper. Bay went very close several times  just before half time  but they failed to add to the score line, but they were very good value for their 3-0 half time lead.

The second period was rather disappointing in comparison to the first. Bay were guilty of stray passing and needless loss of possession. Ross Brown replaced Simon Moore early in the period and put in a very solid display as Farnham tried to up their play. Dan Eason produced a point blank save in the 66th minute when the Farnham forward got through Bay’s defence. From the save Eason produced one of his trademark throws to put James Turner away. The Farnham  defender managed to  prevent Turner from shooting , conceding a corner which was quickly taken finding  Marsden free  in the box. He took the ball to the bye line, squeezing his shot in at the near post. 4-0.
Lewis Taylor replaced Harvey as Bay looked to maintain a clean sheet. Farnham had one more scoring opportunity on 75 minutes, but Eason again thwarted a ‘one-on-one’ attempt.
A poor second half but overall a good performance and a clean sheet with a massively
depleted first team squad.

Team: Eason, Moore, Greenfield, Forster, Hanson, Crofts, M Turner, Marsden, JTurner, Harvey, Maxted.
Subs: R Brown (Moore 51mins) Taylor (Harvey (67mins)  Not used: Jenner

Man of Match: Stephen Hanson

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 12th September 2009
Herne Bay 2-1 Norton Sports

With still  a large number of Bay’s players unavailable  through injury, suspension or away, namely Stuart King  James Turner, Michael Jenner, Aaron Knight, Louis Valencia (injured)  Neil Perkins, Lee Farrell (Suspended) Stephen Hanson, Michael Turner (On vacation)  it meant Jamie Maxted starting alongside Luke  Harvey. Joe Kane brought back into the defence and Dan Eason in goal.
Norton Sports  were determined to give Bay a really tough game. They made their intentions clear right from the kick off with no nonsense tackling, never allowing the Bay’s ball players any time on the ball. The first period followed this pattern throughout, with Norton captain Ben Taylor marshalling his defence brilliantly. Neither side really threatened the respective keepers in a fiercely contested first half.
It didn’t help matters when Joe Kane twisted his ankle after 35 minutes and was substituted by Simon Brown and then in the closing minutes of the half Josh Maine clattered into a Norton defender and sustained a cracked rib. A very unsporting Taylor goaded Maine while he was in agony on the ground accusing him of cheating, with some very unsavoury choice of words. During the interval Maine was coughing blood and went to hospital where he was advised of the break.
Bay started the second period with both central defenders off the pitch. Andy Forster and Maxted filling these positions. Four minutes in and Bay were in front. A ball played in from the right was intercepted by Darren Marsden, who spotted Bryan Greenfield totally unmarked on his left . His pass was inch perfect allowing Greenfield to advance on to goal finishing with a fine  left foot volley into the top corner. This seem to settle Bay down and they were now getting more and more possession, Danny Lawrence seeming involved in most of Bay’s best attacks.
On 61 minutes it was 2-0. A Simon Moore corner to the near post saw Simon Brown nip in between the defenders to head the ball past the defender on the near post. This was the break through Bay needed. However Norton had different ideas. Eight minutes later a free kick was awarded 20 yards out . The defensive wall did its job and kept the ball out but the Norton pumped the ball back in and won a corner. From the corner the ball was again cleared, but this time it fell kindly to Michael Green who had time to pick his spot and drove the ball through a packed penalty area, beating a diving Eason for pace and putting Norton back into the game.
Then disaster for Bay! Maxted received a second caution for a deliberate handball and now Bay were down to 10 men and the third central defender to leave the field.
Understandably Norton threw everything at Bay’s very weakened side but Brown, Forster and Moore remained absolutely solid under this pressure. Norton came close to levelling the score  and should have, but for a fantastic goal line interception by Forster preventing Tom Price from  drilling the ball home from a yard out.
A tremendous ‘backs to the wall’ performance from Bay. Norton were quite rightly disappointed, they put in a fantastic effort but lady luck favoured Herne Bay today enabling them to keep their 100% league record intact.
Next week a number of players will be back, although we now have lost Josh Maine for a few weeks.

Team: Eason, Moore, Taylor, Maine, Kane, Crofts, Marsden, D Lawrence, Maxted, Harvey, Greenfield
Subs:  Brown (Kane 35 mins)  Forster (Maine 46 mins) Humphreys (Greenfield 70 mins)
Not Used: R Lawrence S Smith

Man of the Match: Danny Lawrence
Attendance 156

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 5th September 2009
Fisher 3-5 Herne Bay

An unusual start to the game with the referee having to wear a green training bib to avoid clashing with the black shirts of Fisher. Bay got straight into their stride, against a Fisher side buoyant after their Bank Holiday victory over Erith & Belvedere with  Luke Harvey and Darren Marsden going close in the 1st five minutes. On 10 minutes James Turner appeared to be brought down in the box but the referee didn’t agree. From the clearance the ball fell to Harvey whose return volley forced a good save from keeper, Danny Baldwinson. From the corner Danny Lawrence smashed the ball against the upright; the ball ricocheted out to Marsden, wide on the left, but he coolly floated the ball over the keeper and defenders to give Bay the early lead.   
17 minutes later Turner was again brought down in the box, as he attempted to go round the keeper. He fell awkwardly and was left prone on the ground in a lot of discomfort. The game was held up for 30 minutes while the ambulance and medics treated Turner. Amazingly the keeper was not cautioned!  The game restarted with the spot kick which Marsden converted with ease.
Three minutes later Fisher had reduced the deficit. A free kick awarded on the edge of the box. For what, only the referee knew!  Up stepped Taser Hassan who struck a fine free kick through the wall into the top corner, giving Shaun Smith no chance.  Three minutes later Bay had restored their two goal advantage. This time Harvey’s fierce volley from 18 yards left Baldwinson grasping at thin air.
Bay could have increased the lead with 5 minutes of the period remaining following one of the best moves of the game. The ball was worked out of defence; Simon Moore to Michael Jenner  to Jamie Maxted who sent a deep cross into the box where Lawrence, diving full stretch, headed over the bar.
The 2nd period with controversy from the officials. The Assistant deeming Moore handled the ball when it was very clear it was controlled on his chest. No Fisher player appealed but  the referee still gave the penalty. Hassan sent Smith the wrong way to bring the home side back in the game.   Feeling aggrieved Bay pushed forward but they were guilty of squandering numerous scoring opportunities. The 4th goal came after 60 minutes. The impressive midfielder, Michael Jenner, took on the defender, turning him inside out, before sending in a low cross which Lloyd Boateng deflected into his own goal. Harvey finished off a good flowing move but was given offside as Bay pressurized the Fisher defence.
Bay’s 5th goal came after some quick thinking from Maxted, taking a quick free kick which put Lawrence through to advance on the keeper. He cleverly rounded the keeper but looked to have taken it too wide,  but he somehow  squeezed the ball  home from the tightest of angles. Unfortunately Bay’s defence were caught napping in the 85th minute. Fisher’s leading scorer, Elmstrom Die, ghosted past Andy Forster and Moore to give the home side a third goal.
The game was spoilt at the end when Joss Maine, making his debut for Bay, was accused by the Referees Assistant of swearing at him, but only received a caution! Then a minute later when he  was slightly late with a tackle, he received a second yellow and a subsequent red card. An impressive performance from Maine  throughout the game though. Going back to the earlier Turner incident with no caution. it makes you wonder how the Respect Programme is meant to work.

Team: Smith, Moore, Taylor, Forster, Maine, Crofts, Lawrence, Jenner, J Turner, Harvey, Marsden           
Subs:  Maxted (Turner 27 mins)  Eason (Smith 76mins) Not used: R Lawrence, Campbell, Kane

Man of the Match: Michael Jenner

Attendance:90

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Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 22nd August 2009
Tunbridge Wells 3-5 Herne Bay

The facts of the 1st half:
Herne Bay 12 corners, 7 in the first 14 minutes. Wells keeper Mikelle Czannar 3 top drawer saves from Darren Marsden and James Turner (2). Two missed headers from inside the six yard box. Wells 2nd attack after 30 minutes sees schoolboy defending leaving Mike Lord to drive past Shaun Smith. 9 minutes later Stephen Hanson adjudged to have fouled Benji Agana and penalty awarded. Lord sends Smith wrong way 2-0.
For the 2nd period Michael Turner replaced David Crofts. Bay continue to drive forward but were still unable to find a way of getting past  Czannar. The game completely turned in the 59th minute. Agana slipped away from his marker to advance on Smith; his shot beat Smith but fortunately for Bay went just  wide of the upright. From the goal kick the ball was played to Simon Moore who fed Danny Lawrence down the right. Lawrence ghosts past two defenders before putting Luke Harvey away. Harvey raced into the box, striking a fierce drive across Czannar’s body  into the far corner. 2-1.
Eight minutes later Bay were level. Smith took a pass back out of his area, while under pressure from Lord, and played a perfect pass to Harvey. Harvey took on the defenders and found himself in the same position as his earlier goal and with a similar shot across Czannar, again found the net. 2-2.
Bay were now really getting into their stride and began to really pressurize the Wells defence.
In the 77th minute, the very impressive, Michael Jenner was brought down just outside the area. Marsden struck the dead ball kick with so much venom that Czannar couldn’t hold it. James Turner nipped in to put the ball over the line despite the desperate efforts of two defenders and the keeper. 2-3. This was James’ last touch of the ball and was substituted by his twin brother, Michael. It was doubtful if Wells noticed the difference!
A minute later Michael joined James on the score sheet. This time Harvey took the ball through the defence and could have had his hat-trick but he, unselfishly, slid the ball to Michael who made no mistake driving the ball past Czannar. 2-4. Another assist from Harvey in the 87th minute, this time putting Lawrence into the box and he hammered the ball into the roof of the net. 2-5
This would have been a fair result but as with the first half poor defending , this time by Joe Kane, allowed Lord to break through and secure his hat-trick 3-5.
Three points secured with a scintillating final 30 minutes but if Bay are going to challenge for the title they have got to cut out the defensive errors and put away a higher percentage of  the chances they create.
In the first half hour of this game they should have scored at least 4 times which would have put the game well out of reach their hosts.
On the positive side their heads didn’t drop and once they scored there was only going to be one winner!

Team: Smith, Moore, Greenfield, Kane, Hanson, Crofts, Lawrence, Jenner, J Turner, Harvey, Marsden
Subs: M Turner (Crofts 46 mins)  Maxted  (J Turner 82 mins)  Not used: Taylor, Forster, R Lawrence

Man of the match: Michael Jenner

Attendance:  88

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Kent League Premier Division
Wednesday 19th August 2009
Herne Bay 4-2 Deal Town

What as difference three days can make. After Saturday’s defeat at Southwick nobody was really sure how the team would play against one of our bogey teams, Deal Town.
Team changes were made; James Turner in for Sam Callender, Aaron Knight for Jamie Maxted and Michael Jenner for David Crofts. Deal’s tactics were clear straight from the off; get the ball to the front runners and push everyone forward. However this tactic was undone as early as the 6th minute when Bay cleared the ball out of defence, finding Luke Harvey in open space some 30 yards from goal. Unchallenged Luke took the ball forward and unleashed a thunderbolt shot which caught keeper, Paul Rogers off guard as the ball thundered into the net. 1-0.
Deal struck back almost immediately and with the help of some very sloppy defending Jack Collins fired home from 8 yards. 1-1. Three Bay defenders swung a foot at the ball as it was cut back from the by-line, but all failed to clear it. 
The game ebbed and flowed from end to end with Bay playing good flowing, passing football.  After 27 minutes Luke grabbed his second goal, courtesy of a fine move which started with Steve Hanson passing the ball back to Dan Eason, who cleared out to Danny Lawrence on the right. Danny hit a superb ball behind the full back, allowing James Turner to chase. James robbed the defender, looked up and played an inch perfect ball into Luke, waiting in the area. Taking one touch, Luke turned and fired a low drive pass the helpless Rogers. 2-1. No further score up to half time.
Deal started strongly in the 2nd period and levelled the scores again with the Bay defence found wanting. From a set piece free kick an unchallenged Jake Eastwood, looped a header over defenders and keeper into the goal.2-2.
This seemed to spur Bay into action and from this moment on there only looked to be one winner. Bay, with Darren Marsden and Lawrence making tremendous runs and Michael Jenner and Aaron Knight controlling the midfield they took control of the game. Turner was very unlucky not to put Bay in the lead, but for a fine diving save from Rogers pushing his first time shot onto the upright and away to safety. Luke looked almost certain to get his hat trick when he broke through Deal’s defence  only to see his shot smash against the upright with the keeper beaten and the rebound smashed over the bar by Lawrence. Not to be denied, a minute later with a similar move, this time Luke made no mistake drilling  the ball into the bottom corner. 3-2.
Deal retaliated with long ball tactics but the defence, with Joe Kane, Brian Greenfield, Simon Moore and Hansen now operating as a unit, allowed Deal’s forwards no time on the ball. Every time they got the ball it was quickly fed upfield. James Turner like a ferret harried the Deal defenders causing them to simply boot the ball clear.
The game was wrapped up in the 78th minute. Lawrence made a darting run down the right, ghosting past his marker, fed Marsden who took the ball onto the edge of the 18 yard box. He could have played a ball through to Harvey who was totally free on the left, but instead changed direction and coolly slotted the ball inside the far post surprising the keeper and defenders alike. 4-2.
Three points thoroughly deserved with some excellent football played in front of a very good midweek crowd.

Team: Eason, Moore, Greenfield, Kane, Hanson, Knight, Lawrence, Jenner, Harvey, J Turner, Marsden
Subs: M Turner (J Turner 82 mins)  Not used: Perkins, Crofts, Forster, Brown

Man of the match: Luke Havey

Attendance:  240

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FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday 15th August 2009
Southwick 2-1 Herne Bay

report by Ray Kelly

The opening 10 minutes proved to be the template for the following 80 with Southwick producing a hard and uncompromising opposition who relied on the long ball and crunching tackles.
Bay soon mastered them and started getting the upper hand with Luke Harvey, Danny Lawrence and Darren Marsden all going close to scoring. On 25 minutes Bay were awarded a corner. The ball was floated well for Steve Hanson to powerfully head past Hildersly in the home goal. 1-0 to Bay.
The pair of Harvey and Lawrence continued to look dangerous with a goal always in the offing but after 40 minutes the referee awarded Southwick a penalty for Hanson's 'hand ball'. It was one of those occasions when the ball was hit hard from very close range and hit his upraised arms. Southwick's number 9 Witherspoon converted sending Dan Eason in the wrong direction, 1-1.
The second half saw even more posession for Bay with Southwick only occasionally breaking out. Simon Brown came on for Marsden who was finding the narrow pitch too restricting. Soon after the Turner Twins, James and Michael, came on for Sam Callandar and Jamie Maxted. Both Turners had chances which went close on 80 and 85 minutes.
Southwick launched a rare attack which went the length of the pitch and resulted in a good deep cross which Eason appeared to have collected securely only for him to fall awkwardly, injuring his back and, unfortunately, losing his hold on the ball which rolled over the line 1-2.
Bay had the greater posession and the nature of the Southwick goals suggest this was a travesty but in all honesty Bay just didn't do enough to win it. That said there were excellent performances from Bay's defence, particularly from Steve Hanson and Joe Kane who looked very solid. Much hard work and no small amount of skill from our midfield and from Danny Lawrence specially and lots of effort by Luke Harvey up front.

Team:
Dan Eason, Simon Moore, Brian Greenfield, Joe Kane, Steve Hanson, David Crofts, Danny Lawrence, Darren Marsden (Simon Brown 55), Luke Harvey, Sam Callandar (James Turner 60), Jamie Maxted (Michael Turner 61).
Subs not used:
Neil Perkins, Louis Valencia, Aaron Knight and Michael Jenner.

Man of the match: Luke Harvey

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