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Reports by Anthony Deer
Kent League Division 1
Saturday 21st November 2009
Whitstable town 1-2 Herne Bay
A scrappy affair between the two teams where form and league placing were never going to decide this local derby. It was which team wanted it more on the day! and thankfully Herne Bay managed to secure all three points.
The first half was difficult with the swirling winds adding to the frustration of our boys who, despite trying to play football, couldn't do so. The signs werent good as the boys seemed a little nervous and consciously worrying about slipping over because of the wrong footwear. As the half went on, however, chance after chance kept coming because of some fine running off the ball.
Karl Williams lobbed the goalkeeper only for former Herne Bay reserve player Stephen Baines to clear off the line. More chances fell to Stuart King and, just before half time, the pressure paid off. King drifted out to the right, recieved the ball, cut in and shot across the keeper to make it one nil.
We made it through to half time with a little bit of luck. As the referee blew up for half time, Whitstable were on a one v one attack. But sometimes you just have to ride your luck.
The second half saw Whitstable piling on the pressure early and creating a couple of chances, one from which they scored. A lapse of concentration through the midfield and then being outnumbered at the back saw a good finish by the left sided midfield player to make it one all.
This, however, spurred us on and finally we started to play our flowing and attacking football. A great run by Jack Winder was ended just outside the box by a foul, only for the goalkeeper to save the ensuing free kick.
The introduction of Dan Smith (for Christian Marsh) and Aaron Campbell (for Stuart King) created havoc for Whitstable. Karl Williams was a constant threat. Three times he had the ball at his feet with back to goal, twice he tried to set it back to no avail. However, the third time he managed to create his own space and shoot under Stephen Baines' legs to score the winning goal.
The last five minutes was nail biting stuff, but the tower of strength and intelligence that is Aaron Campbell, a lad who has just turned 19, kept the ball in the corner for about 6 minutes, which frustrated the Whitstable team. In that 6 minutes I believe there were 6 corners and 3 free kicks. The final time the ball went out it was for a goal kick and once it had been taken the final whistle went.
The man of the match was between, Karl Williams and Sam Baker.
To say we were lucky isn't correct we worked hard to get the result. Both teams had chances, both had decisions against them, a fair result I feel.
With a team that has only been put together from the start of this season (6 players from last year moved up to the first team squad) we have done extremely well. We've had to replace these players with other quality players and have been playing some of the best football at Herne Bay for a long time, apart from yesterday!!!
With results going our way elsewhere, a good weekend all round for Herne Bay FC.
Team: S Smith, Potter, Kettle, Baker, Brown, Marsh(D Smith) Gower, Winder(Allan) Scott, Williams King(Campbell). Subs not used Gilbert, Fitchie
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Kent League Division 1
Saturday 17th October 2009
Holmesdale 2-5 Herne Bay
First of all I would like to apologise for the lack of match reports from the previous matches, this is due to being very busy and sorting out the next training session or next match.
However, I felt it is time to write about the recent goings on at Herne Bay reserves this month so far.
So far this month we haven’t won a game, we lost to Thamesmead in the Kent Intermediate cup 3 – 1 although we showed a lot of character in this game but for unforeseen circumstances such as the amount of injuries at the current reserve squad,specially at the back.
If you saw this game then you would know it was a very close encounter with both sides creating chances. The second half was more pleasing to see as we looked much the better team and only conceded the third goal after going down to ten men after a player got injured after we had made all our substitutions.
We will be certainly looking forward to going again there in the league with the prospect of three points.
Last week we played Margate in the league, this was a disappointing game as we were playing the bottom side but didn’t play to our full potential. A lack of centre back again has caused us problems and today it was the same, a left back and a centre midfield filled the whole at the back and worked tirelessly to stop Margate from scoring but one too many mistakes from the full backs cost us the game, although again the second half we looked much better and took the game to Margate only for them to score a fourth to finish us off, not a good day at the office, matters didn’t help when the first team took both away kits!!! (local lack of comminudation)
So with two draws, Thamesmead and Whitstable at Home and two losses, Thamesmead away and Margate away, a win was a must for Saturday’s game against Holmesdale away.
A return of Danny Cook and Will Johnston in the back line was a timely boost to the team knowing that we had the right personnel for the right jobs. A strong squad was taken to Holmesdale, with the likes of Louis Valencia, Lewis Taylor and Aaron Knight all coming back from injuries and a debutant in the form of Harry Gower, recently signed from local neighbours Whitstable Town.
The day started well, with the right kit taken, all the players turning up on time, no traffic on the way up to the ground, the warm up was of high standard, the players were hungry for that win. Everything looked positive, even the players who weren’t involved with the starting eleven worked hard in the warm up and concentrated just as much as the players selected to start.
The match started how the warm up finished, a high tempo, quick playing to feet, two touch football, Holmesdale didn’t quite know what to think, and it was rewarded with a great goal, a 35 yard lob over the goalkeeper from Aaron Knight after only five minutes. This was a very good start, however, a mix up at the back and lack of communication led to a Holmesdale player tucking away the ball past the oncoming Dan Hadlow. This did not get our players down in fact it spurred them on even more, and from this, probably the best passage of football seen at reserve level. The ball was rolled out from Dan Hadlow to Sam Kettle who played it into the midfield and a combination of one, two touch football by several players created a space for Louis Valencia to run into, with only one defender to beat, he did that with ease and calmly passed the ball around the goalkeeper to make it two one. From here we continued to press and play some fantastic football and again were reward with two more goals, one from Joe Nelder, this week in the right goal! The second time the ball travelled down the left and some intricate play form Louis Valencia and Lewis Taylor saw a low driven cross for Joe Nelder to smash in from 12 yards. Jack Winder got the forth from another good cross from Louis Valencia, the ball went over the goalkeeper and Jack calmly passed it in to an open net. My opinion is that I felt that the game was going to be a free for all and it was going to be a rout. However Holmesdale never gave up and from our own attacking play lost the ball and we were wide open at the back, the ball was passed into the space that Lewis Taylor had left at which it was crossed into the oncoming midfielder who then struck it past Dan Hadlow. At the end of the half it could have been quite comfortably eight all with both teams having many chances.
The half time team talk was easy, don’t concede and we will win, knowing that the next goal would be crucial in the result of this game. However the introduction of Aaron Campbell on for Joe Nelder created another problem for the Holmesdale backline and was rewarded with some great play this time down the right with Jac Scott on for workhorse Jack Winder put a great cross for Aaron and with nonchalance placed it in the bottom right hand corner. This killed the game, and in the last ten minutes we could have scored three or four more. The end result was 5 goals to 2; win for Herne Bay, a much needed win but an even better performance and back to how we want the boys to play. A special mention to Harry Gower, although didn’t score he worked very hard in the midfield to create chances for the team and himself, but most of all he played with a smile on his face all game. Other good news is that Danny Cook lasted the whole ninety minutes after a bad injury at the beginning of the season. No player today played badly and they worked well together individually and as part of the team.
A good result, but the coaching staff and our spectators on the day were more impressed with the performance, professionalism and preparation of every single player in today’s match from start to finish.
We have many players signed now for reserves, but every single one is working hard in matches and training to get a place in the starting eleven, those who aren’t involved are still part of this squad and are working just as hard to get into the team. The attitude of the players this year towards HBFC is second to none.
Team: Dan Hadlow, Danny Cook, Will Johnston, Sam Kettle, Lewis Taylor, Jack Winder, Christian Marsh, Aaron Knight, Harry Gower, Louis Valencia, Joe Nelder, Jac Scott, Aaron Campbell, Stuart FItchie.
Kent League Division 1
Wednesday 16th September 2009
Herne Bay 1-1 Thamesmead Town
An Aaron Campbell first half header saw Bay go in at half time very fortunate to be a goal ahead.
Thamesmead had most of the possession but no end result. Bay did not play their usual flowing football but never looked liked conceding.
In the second half Bay improved and the game flowed end to end. Thamesmead got the equalizer 3 minutes from time, courtesy of a foul on Andy Forster. After leaving him prostrate in the area the forward had time to get into the box and slide the ball around Dan Hadlow in goal. 1-1, a fair result at the end of the day, meaning both teams lose their 100% winning record. Fortunately the other team in the Division with a 100% record, Cray Wanderers, also drew 1-1 away to Ashford Town. Bay remain on top of the League Table.
Team: Dan Hadlow, Sam Baker, Sam Kettle, Andy Forster, Steve Hanson, Aaron Knight, Jamie Humphreys, Michael Turner, Manpreet Hothi, Aaron Campbell, Jack Winder.
Subs: Ross Brown (Knight) Joe Nelder (Hothi) Jac Scott (Winder)
Not used: Aaron Clark, Stephen Gilbert
Kent League Division 1
Saturday 29th August 2009
Herne Bay 4 - 0 Erith & Belvedere
This was a very impressive performance by the Reserves in their 1st game in Division 1. The visitors were very physical but Bay just played them off the park. The more physical the Deres became the better Bay youngsters played. The first goal came after 19 minutes from a free kick 20 yards out. Rob Lawrence unceremoniously chopped down. Up stepped Jamie Maxted to drill a low shot into the bottom corner just inside the post.
Then a brace from Rob Lawrence. Lewis Taylor brings the ball out of defence and sends the ball up to Aaron Campbell. Aaron took the ball into the box, drew the keeper and unselfishly slid the ball to Rob who made no mistake from close range. Five minutes from half time Rob dispossessed the defender 30 yards out and struck the sweetest of volleys to leave the keeper floundering as the ball hit the back of the net. Half time 3-0.
The visitors had no answer except to get more physical. This didn’t bother Bay as they played some really good football. Substitute Lee Taylor sealed the victory, running onto a cross field pass from Maxted, and hitting a real pile driver from 18 yards which nearly broke the back of the net.
Team: Shaun Smith, Luke Potter, Lewis Taylor, Joe Kane, Sam Baker, Aaron Knight, Jac Scott, Jamie Maxted, Aaron Campbell, Rob Lawrence, Jack Winder.
Subs: Stephen Gilbert (Knight 39 min) Lee Taylor (Winder 65min) Marc Jones (Campbell 70 min)
Not Used: Aaron Clark, Joe Nelder
Pre season Friendly
Wednesday 5th August
Herne Bay v Otford United
A little bit about this team, they finished forth in theKent County League Division 1 East. They are a friendly club with two managers who have a good side that work for each other well. We played them last year and believe that this fixture will continue in the future along with Cliffe Woods.
This was our fifth game and things are staring to take shape within the team, the players have start realising that there is competition all over the field and every one has to play well in order to start in the eleven at the beginning of the season. The players this evening did not disappoint as every one played and understood their roles and responsibilities and worked hard to get the ball back and play football with composure and accuracy.
The first half started slowly although the boys worked hard all over the pitch when we did not have the ball and made it hard for Otford to go forward.
A few scary moments for the young bay side with players going for the same ball and leting players through. The first chance came for Otford who played some good football to get the ball wide on the right, then a cross came in for an Otford player to head in the opposite direction to 'keeper Dan Hadlow, everyone thought it was a goal until Dan Hadlow tipped the ball past the post for one of his many saves throughout the night!
From here we soaked up a lot of pressure but calmly played the football out from defence rather than panicking and smashing the ball away. Another good run from new signing Aaron Clark down the left saw a great cross across the keeper for one of theback tracking defenders to push the ball past his own goalkeeper. Bay 1-0 up.
We continued to pass the ball well from the back into the midfield and out to our wide players and this is where our second goal came from. Some good build up play from Troy Smissen and Jac Scott in the middle set Jack Winder down the wing only to be cut down after making a turn in the penalty box. A penalty was awarded and for the third time this year another player stood up and took the penalty. This time it was the young Joe Nelder, who was outstanding all evening, who calmly put the ball past the keeper to make it 2 0. This slightly deflated Otford but they didnt stop trying and continued to play football up to the end of the first half.
The second half started with no changes for us as the management team decided that it would be unfair to take any of the hard working players off and see how they reacted going out for the start of the second half.
The other reason was to see how the subs coped and reacted when they were finally put on. The first change saw Stephen Gilbert come on for Will Johnston, who had a good game as right back, and Rob Lawrence who came off for Aaron Clark who had been a constant threat down the left hand side.
The use of subs also saw Louis Valencia getting some more minutes under his belt. He reverted to his more comfortable role as a left midfielde although he started up front with Joe Nelder.
Rob Lawrence went up front to join Nelder. A lot of comments from spectators and other coaching staff was positive and encouraging as we continued to press and make life hard for Otford. They had a few chances but the ever impressable Dan Hadlow always had an answer by pulling off two more fine saves. This only occurred on the rare occasions when Otford were able to get past the solid central back two of Ben White and Sam Baker.
The next change was Scott Sloicak for Sam Baker and Joe Evans for Jack Winder who seems to be starting to show his true capabilities.
Our defending was excellent, although not without some room for improvement. Bay continued playing football and that saw us move up the field in style.
The third goal came from a corner which Otford only half dealt with. Rob Lawrece hit a sharp shot from the edge of the area only for the keeper to spill it in front of Louis Valencia, who was sitting on the floor trying to get out of the way of Rob's shot. Louis reacted quickest and poked home the third.
The players continued to work hard all the way up to the final whistle from defending to attacking. No one hid from what was a very good display by everyone in the team.
Not one player out-did another and this has made it even more difficult to pick a starting team for the coming campaign as everyone played well. However, there will be a real test on Monday when we visit Faversham in a friendly. We will see how far we have actually come or what we need to improve on. Although we are slowly getting there, there is a long way to go before everything properly falls into place.
I cant ask for any more from the players but they all now realise how serious we are this year. This is, I believe, very unusual amongst reserves sides nbut we are looking to achieve in our own right in our Division and by doing this we will be helping the first team when or if called upon.
A lot of competition for places this year and no one is automatically picked. The team will be picked on merit from the previous game. Preparations are going well.
Squad: Dan Hadlow, Will Johnston, Sam Baker, Ben White, Sam Kettle, Jack Winder, Jac Scott, Troy Smissen, Aaron Clark, Joe Nelder, Louis Valencia, Rob Lawrence, Joe Evans, Scott Slociak and Stephen Gilbert.
Pre season Friendly
Saturday 1st August
Crockenhill 0-1 Herne Bay
Crockenhill, who once upon a time played in the Kent League, but who this season will be playing in the West Division of the County League. The ground has improved since I played there for the reserves about ten years ago, but the pitch hasn't, a rough and bumpy surface with the grass needing a cut. However, another game is what we needed to continue to look at players. The weather once again was wet, and a shape has started to form within the team.
From the first whistle we played some lovely football, spreading the ball wide as much as we could. However some bad passing and decision making let Crockenhill create a couple of openings, but these came to nothing because of some good defending by Sam Baker, and a couple of good saves by Shaun Smith (who still hasnt made up his mind what he is doing yet!!).
Some good football led to the only goal of the game on the 18th minute. A through-pass by Luke Potter to Jack Winder, who played on the right, led to a one on one with the keeper who could only parry Jack's shot to the on coming Marc 'Sharky' Jones to volley in to an empty net from 8 yards.
From here we seemed to step of the pedal but continued to keep the ball. However, at times we let ourselves down again by playing too much football at the back and only a huge clearence by one of the centre backs after a mix up in the box ensured the score remained one nil.
The second half saw some changes and we seemed to keep the ball more than in the first half as Crockenhill tried to press forward. Some good set up play was positive to see but our final ball either into the box or shooting in front of goal let us down. We hardly troubled the goalkeeper in the second half.
A freekick was awarded to Crockenhill about 35 yards out and the shot was thundered towards goal with Shaun only able to watch it as it moved in the air, only to see it hit the crossbar.
Both teams tried to play attacking football towards the end and maybe Crockenhill had a shout for a penalty but nothing was given (phew).
The final score was one nil to the reserves. ,played the second half as left back, and new signing Sam Baker who looked solid next to Ross Brown at the back. Overall a much better performance than on Wednesday. Very pleasing.
Squad today:
Shaun Smith, Ben White, Sam Baker, Ross Brown, Sam Kettle, Luke Potter, Dominic Nash, Joe Nelder, Jac Scott, Jack Winder, Marc 'Sharky' Jones, Stephen Gilbert, Lee Taylor, Rob Lawrence, Aaron Clark and Robert Joyce.
Pre season friendly
Wednesday 29th July
Herne Bay 3-1 Cliffe Wood
Cliffe Woods FC was an unknown quantity to myself. I know that they played in the Rochester District League but thats about it. But I do know that is a well supported club and are very proud. The committee and management team were very friendly indeed and before the game started one of the committee members gave me a framed memento of our game as a friendly gesture and this can be seen in the bar area until it gets moved to the committee room.
The weather wasn't pretty, the surface had a zip to it, it was going to be a good game.
For this fixture I had two seperate teams, one to play in each half, as some had just come back off holiday and some still needed to impress the management team to be considered for the coming season.
The game started reasonably but with some poor passing and indicisive decision making. There moments of good football in between. The weather didnt help either team as tackles were coming in late and when missed continued for an extra two or three yards. However, it was the Bay who got on the scoring sheet first with a great run by hopeful Aaron Clark, left Back, with some great one two passes who then fired home from 10 yards.
From here we seemed to stop playing our football and when we did it was very slow and not to our normal speed and let Cliffe Wood back into the game. They created a few chances before a corner was not dealt properly and Shaun Smith could only punch out to the edge of the area for a clean, brisk shot to be taken by a Cliffe Wood player past the goalkeeper and several players.
Rob Lawrence had a fierce shot saved by what I would say was one of Cliffe Woods more experienced players, the ball was heading into the top corner only to see the keeper pull off a worldie tip over the bar, something I would be proud of. From here, Cliffe Wood continued to press and could have had a couple more goals but Shaun Smith made a couple of excellent stops to prevent them going ahead. Half time score 1-1
The second half saw eleven changes. Like the first half, our passing let us down in places and was at a slow pace. Cliffe Wood bought on some fresh players and worked the ball round well and created a couple of half chances. However, they had a very good chance mid way through the game only for a great reaction save by goalkeeper Lance Riordan to keep the score level. The fact that we had eleven fresh pairs of legs on the field made the difference in this game. When Cliffe Woods lost the ball and we attacked we found ourselves with more time than anticipated but we slowed the game right down allowing the opposing team to get back in.
With adreline running, some players forgot their roles and responsibilities and left us short at the back. Then came the second goal, the ball came bouncing through the middle for Andrew Everitt (Trig) to hit, it wasnt a powerful shot, but the goalkeeper made a slight misjudgment and let the ball slip under his fingers to make the score 2 goals to one. In the final five minutes, we had another break this time down the right and Richie Martin put in a great ball to see Blue Kitney score with his head.
Final Score 3-1 Heren Bay
Again I would like to thank all those involved with Cliffe Wood for the gift, the friendliness and the great game, and we have arranged it so it happens every year, as its a pleasure to host clubs like these. The committee was very impressed of the set up at Herne Bay, was complimentry on the facilities and football pitch and most of all although they lost they had a very good experience and time at Herne Bay FC. We would like to wish them all the very best for the up coming season.
Today's squad
Shaun Smith, Stephen Gilbert, Ross Brown, Sam Baker, Aaron Clark, Luke Potter, Robert Joyce, Jack Winder, Joe Evans, Rob Lawrence, Lee Taylor, Lance Riordan, Joe Nelder, Will Johnston, Scott Slociak, Dave Harret, Kieron Orwell, Andrew Everitt, Jac Scott, Ritchie Martin, Blue Kitney and Sam Taylor.
Pre season Friendly
Saturday 25th July
Fleet Leisure 3-1 Herne Bay
A little bit about the team we played today, I believe they finished third in the Kent County League last year, they have a plan and they stick to it, its not pretty but it can be effective. For those who come to watch the football were slightly disappointed as Fleet Leisure went route one at every opportunity rather than actually play football and were very physical in challenges. However when we were physical back they did complain and they winged. When we had the ball we tried to play and played well and caused problems for the opposing teams.
The final score was Fleet Leisure 3 Herne Bay Reserves 1
The first half saw our usual shape with a strong line up with the Turner twins, Perkins and Joe Evans all back from holiday although it did look like they had a very good time away, but I know they will work hard and get themselves back to full fitness and sharpness. The first goal came from a mistake by the new signing Lewis Craddock (GK), a ball over the top was misjudged by Lewis and the ball was put in to the empty net. The second goal was from a set piece and was headed in from close range. Fleet continously pumped footballs long and the ever impressing Ben White and Neil Perkins dealt with every ball that came their way. Finally from a poor set piece from Fleet, Neil Perkins hit a great ball into the path of James Turner who was bullied off the ball and was taken out by one of Fleet players and a penalty was rewarded which Danny Cook, last years penalty taker calmly put away to make it 2 1.
The half time team talk was of a positive nature and the players realised what they were playing against.
The Second half saw us make some changes to the playing staff with Louis Valencia making a showing in the team and replaced Micheal Turner on the left hand side of midfield. Unfortunately Fleet did not change their plan and continued to kick the football long at every opportunity. We continued to play our football and found ourselves in some good positions but our final ball let us down.
A relatively good performance by all players today considering the opposition and the way they play football, it has given me some idea of who can play at the higher level and who needs to work a little harder.
Today's Squad
Lewis Craddock, Dan Hadlow, Max Ciano, Stephen Gilbert, Neil Perkins, Ben White, Sam Baker, Sam Kettle, Danny Cook, Troy Smissen, Joe Evans, Joe Nelder, Michel Turner, James Turner, Jack Winder, Louis Valencia, Rob Lawrence and Marc 'Sharky' Jones.
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Pre season Friendly
Saturday 18th July
Bettsanger 1-5 Herne Bay
The team that started this game looked nothing like the one we finished with last year, with the promotion of the twins, Maxted and Perkins to the first team squad, and three players away on holiday. It was a good opportunity to look at some of the new faces that have come along to try out and train with Herne Bay.
A new coach Dave Sheepswell or 'Sheeps' has joined me to help in training during the week and possibly some evening games, and was there with me on Saturday to oversee the new players.
The team we were playing won promotion last year in the Canterbury District League and won one of the cups, a young team like ourselves, promoting to play football rather than just hoof it. They too had players they needed to look at for their campaign so it was always going to be a hard game for us but one thing we need to do is work on our fitness and with new players coming on and swapping it helped both teams to see who was good enough or not. I would like to thank Betteshanger for the game as it was a good work out for both sides.
The First Half Started very slowly and you could tell some of these boys havent played in a competitive match for some time as they brushed away the cobwebs and oiled up their joints, and after only 5 minutes we conceded a very sloppy goal by our standards, but once again like last year it always seems to take conceding a goal to get us going and we stepped up a gear, and played our short sharp passing to get to the goal. A new face to the team today was Dominic Nash, who is a midfielder of sorts, and he made an very good impression on me and a few of the players as he scored a first half hatrick on his debut, with help from last years Marc Jones (Sharky) setting up most of his chances for him. Rob Lawrence finished the scoring in the first half by scoring with his head, this is some feat as he is not one of the more taller players.
The second half saw both teams change formation and playing staff and the game went a bit dead, with Betteshanger not really having a chance on goal, and for some good goalkeeping and poor finishing we did not extend our lead until the last minute when Stephen Gilbert was bought down in the box (Some say he dived!!) and then got up and took the penalty himself.
The game finished 5 1
A particular mention to a couple of players, obviously Dominc Nash for scoring a hatrick from a midfield position, but Ben White who played centre back looked confident and comfortable on the ball and didnt panic, and the ever loyal Danny Cook at the back with Ben worked extremely hard for 90 minutes. Everyone else played their part in the game but they also know what we need to work on as well. But a pleasing start for the preseason and a real test next week when we play Fleet Leisure who I think finished 3rd in the Kent County League
The Squad was: Dan Hadlow, Lance Rioden, Stephen Gilbert, Danny Cook, Ben White, Sam Kettle, Troy Smissen, Kieron Orwell, Dominic Nash, Jack Winder, Rob Lawrence, Marc (Sharky) Jones, Scott Guy, Dave Harrot, Blue and Andrew
