2011 - 2012
Reports by Ray Kelly

Saturday 28th April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 1-1 Beckenham Town

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Herne Bay's final home League game ended in a 1-1 draw against Beckenham Town.
The match was played in atrocious conditions with driving rain throughout.
Both sides tried to play attacking, passing football but the game was spoilt by some curious decisions by the ‘man in the middle’ who failed to take into consideration the conditions of the playing surface, which was to say damp would be an understatement.
Bay finished up with 9 players, after Dave Soutan and Jamie Maxted, both saw red. Beckenham had substitute, Ibrahim Fusini and  manager Jason Huntley also dismissed.
Both teams struggled to play in the difficult conditions  but  at times both produced some delightful passages of passing football.  Chances fell to both teams .Byron Walker, back from a seven game suspension,  was always in the thick of things and could have scored with the chances he had in the first half.
The first chance fell to Ben Brown in the 13th minute, when, after a foul on Walker 40yards out, Tom Parker’s free kick was deflected out for a corner by Beckenham’s Jason Rose. The resultant corner was met by Brown who drilled a low shot across the face of the goal.
4 minutes later Dan Eason saved smartly from a shot from 'Becks' Jamie Turner.
On 25 minutes Maxted was booked for retaliating to a kick from Alfie Nunn and within 15 minutes he received a second yellow for a untidy challenge on the same palyer. Two more Bay players also saw yellow before half time; Rhys Lawson and Parker both for comments made to the Referee. 
The second half started with a rejuvenated Beckenham side having a man advantage and within a minute Eason saved superbly from Elstrom Die's fierce shot.
Luke Harvey replaced James Turner in the 50th minute.
On 54 minutes Walker was unlucky with a header following a Parker corner; Nick Blue, in the 'Becks' goal, saved superbly. Walker had another great effort saved by Blue in the 58th minute and to the amazement of everyone the Referee awarded a goal kick instead of a corner!!
Bay started to get on top and on 62 minutes Dan Lawrence set up Walker who slotted the ball past Blue to give Bay the lead. Within a minute Beckenham levelled when a rare mistake by Eason, failing to hold Jake Hobbs scuffed shot and allowing it to slip through his hands. Further chances fell to both sides with Lawrence for Bay and Die for Beckenham both going close.
Parker was replaced by Soutan and Nathan Eastwood came on for Brown.
Further chances fell to Harvey, who had replaced Turner. Then with 10 minutes to go the Referee made a very poor decision and sent off Soutan for a tackle on Danny Tipple.
Eason made two more good saves and just  before the end of the game the referee had time to send off Beckenham’s Manager, Jason Huntly for comments made.
But in conclusion the management and players must take a long look at our disciplinary  record this season and stem the bookings for next season.
But in saying that what a great season we have witnessed, well done Simon and all the players.

Att: 365

Team ;Eason,  Ashmore, Bryant, Maxted, Campbell, Parker, Lawrence, Brown, Walker, J Turner, Lawson 
Subs; Harvey (Turner 50mins) Soutan (Parker 67 mins) Eastwood (Brown 82 mins) Not used: Bartrum, Baverstock

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Saturday 21st April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Greenwich Borough 0-2 Herne Bay

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Well after 42 years Herne Bay achieved a promotion . This time from the Kent League to The Ryman. This was confirmed with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Greenwich Borough at Oakley Road. A goal in each half from Ashley Baverstock and James Maxted saw Bay lift the title in style.
The first chance of the match fell to Boro striker Rob Depeazer in the 6th minute but he skied a free kick high and wide from 20 yards.
This proved to be a wake up call for Bay who then started to attack at regular intervals with Rhys Lawson and James Turner being a constant threat to Boro’s defence.
On 10 minutes, following a foul on Ollie Bartrum, Ben Brown’s free kick found Tom Bryant overlapping; he in turn crossed to Dave Soutan but his header went wide of the post.
Bay continued to attack with Lawson and Turner both going close before Soutan played in Dan Lawrence, who found Baverstock in space, he turned his marker, Francis and slotted in from close range.
The game started to get bogged down in mid-field but in fairness to Boro they had a couple of good scoring chances with Depeazer and James Parkinson both going close.
Right from the start of the 2nd half, Brown could have put Bay further in front but failed to control the ball in front of a  grateful John Beale in the Boro goal.
More chances fell to Bay with Lawrence and Turnerboth going close. In the 58th minute a great run and shot from Lawson was kept out by Idris Bwala who cleared of the goal line.
Michael Turner replaced Lawrence in the 60th. minute. Another good chance fell to Brown after some clever work by James Turner but he fired over from the edge of the box.
On 65minutes Baverstock should have increased the lead but failed to control the ball 8 yards out allowing Beale to gather the ball. 5 minutes later Rob Lawrence came on for Baverstock.
Lawson and James Turner both had good efforts saved by Beale before  Bay increased their lead and ensuring the title would be returning to Herne Bay. Following a Brown corner the ball was bouncing about in the box before Jamie Maxted rifled in from 6yards. To the delight of Bay’s supporters standing behind the goal.
For the final 10minutes Bay set siege to the Greenwich defence but legs and bodies seemed to stop them from scoring again.
When the final whistle went the celebrating started. Denise Richmond presented the League Championship Trophy to club Captain Luke Harvey and Toby Ashmore.
The proudest man on the park was out going Bay chairman, John Bathurst, who has waited over 12 years for this moment.
For all Bay fans that were not at the game, the Championship Trophy will be paraded on Saturday, at our last match of the season when we play Beckenham Town. Be there to show your appreciation to Simon and the whole squad for achieving what the Club have desperately sought for over 40 years.

Att : 72

Team: Eason, Bartrum, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Bryant, Brown, J Turner,  Soutan,  D Lawrence,
Baverstock, Lawson
Subs: M Turner (Baverstock 60 mins)  R Lawrence (D Lawrence  70mins) - Not used: Jenner, Kennett, Parker

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Wednesday 18th April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 1-2 Erith & Belvedere


Herne Bay suffered  a 2-1 defeat against the 'Deres' at the Safety Net Stadium Wednesday night and they only have  themselves to blame because they created enough chance to win this game in the first half alone.
Bay dominated play for the first 45 minutes but missed opportunities in front of goal were to be their downfall.
Champions elect, Herne Bay, were applauded on to field by the Erith & Belvedere players; a nice gesture, well received by Bay’s players and spectators alike.
The game itself started well with Rhys Lawson and James Turner running the 'Dere’s defence ragged. On 10 minutes Toby Ashmore overlapped down the right and sent in a great cross to Luke Harvey, who could only spoon the ball into the arms of Richard Stroud in the 'Deres' goal.
Bay were completely dominating the play but on 28 minutes, they were made to pay for their poor finishing, when, against the run of play, Erith & Belvedere scored. Following a free kick 30 yards out Richard Davis fired into a crowded area where the ball deceived everyone, including Dan Eason to find its way over the line. This was ‘deres only threat on goal in the entire half..
Two minutes later Bay should have scored when Tom Bryant ran through from the half way line, before chipping the ball over the defence finding Dave Soutan unmarked but unfortunately his effort went wide of the target from  5 yards out. Bay eventually drew level
5 minutes later when Dan Lawrence, totally unmarked on the right flank, received the ball. He flew down the right and crossed into a crowded area where James Turner raced in to slot the ball home.
This spurred Bay on and they should have converted two more chances before half time but poor decision making cost Bay dearly.
In the closing minutes of the half, Andy Constable fired in a good shot that Eason did well to keep out. 
Luke Harvey was replaced by Ashley Baverstock at half time and shortly after the restart James Turner had to leave the field through injury. He was replaced by Tom Parker. Lawson was a constant threat to the Deres defence throughout the game and was unlucky in the 55 minute to see his shot well saved by Stroud.
Bay’s play became disjointed, their shape appeared wrong and the visitors were growing in confidence. Deres changed their play; gone was the continual long ball punt upfield that they used throughout the first half, now they were playing the passing game and keeping possession whereas Bay were giving the ball away far too easily. This cost Bay the game after Ben Brown was dis-possessed  in the mid-field by Davis the ball was  played into the Constable who slammed home from 6 yardsto give Deres the lead in the 62nd minute.
Late in the game Bader Mohammed was booked for a foul on Brown. From the free kick, the ball was floated to the far post only for Soutan to again put the ball wide of the upright when it looked easier to put it in.
A few minutes later Marcus Cassius was sent off for a second yellow card for needlessly kicking the ball away.
Bay had one last chance for parity when Brown shrugged off his marker and fired in from the edge of the box but Stroud collected with ease to give Erith & Belvedere the victory and the only team to complete a league double over Bay this season.
We must now wait until Saturday to get that elusive point needed to be assured League Champions.

Att : 145

Team: Eason, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Brown, Lawrence, Soutan, Harvey, J Turner, Lawson
Subs: Baverstock (Harvey 46 mins) ) Parker ( Turner  50 mins)
Not used: Bartrum Jenner M Turner

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Saturday 14th April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Corinthian 1-1 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay travelled to Gay Dawn Farm needing to beat Corinthian in order to clinch the League title. They came away with a 1-1 draw and after hearing that VCD Athletic had played out a 1-1 draw against Cray Valley Bay’s players believed they were champions. Erith & Belvedere can get to 63 points but they have the threat of a 3 point deduction hanging over them for fielding an illegible player.
It has been 15 years since Bay won the Kent League title. They were runners up in 2000/01, 2004/05. 2009/10 and 2010/11 so after such a long wait the celebrations will ring out on Wednesday if they get the single point they need to make absolutely certain of the title.
On a very good playing surface it was the Corinthian who played all the football for the first half an hour.  Superb football from Corinthian left Bay chasing shadows with the evergreen Lee Barnett controlling the game from mid-field and the James Lyons/James Blewden partnership snuffing out the out of touch Bay forwards.
As early as the 3rd minute Dan Eason saved well from an Adam Marsh corner. Two minutes later Eason tipped over another good effort from Mark Axel.
Bay had made a very nervous start and only good defending from James Campbell, Tom Bryant and Eason prevented them conceding.
On 31 minutes Bay had their first real chance when Michael Jenner burst through but fired wide and then a minute later, Jenner found Rhys Lawson but his cross to Luke Harvey was wasted as his weak shot was easily collected by Danny Bygrave in the Corinthian goal. On 37 minutes Campbell was booked for a foul on Marsh. From the resulting free kick, Eason pulled of another fine save. No further action in the half and the teams went in level at the interval.
With in a minute of the restart Bay were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box when Bygrave picked up a back pass. Jenner’s fierce kick was blocked on the goal line by Chris Kinnear.
Bay kept pressing and they got their reward on 51 minutes when Tom Parker ghosted through the Corinthian defence before blasting past Bygrave.  Two minutes later only a brilliant save from Eason prevented Kinnear from equalising but on 57 minutes they achieved parity, when following a free kick on the far right Lee Barnet rifled in past Eason. 
James Turner replaced Ashley Baverstock and he was unlucky not to put Bay in front when he raced through the defence and struck a good curling shot just wide of the post.
On 70 minutes Dan Lawrence could have put Bay in front but his shot, went straight into the keeper’s arms. Ben Brown replaced Lawrence for the last 10 minutes of the game.
Both teams could have wrapped up the game in the last five minutes.  Harvey with two attempts and at the other end Eason pulled of two great saves to prevent Marsh from getting on the score sheet. A fair result at the end of the day with Bay getting within a point of  that elusive title and promotion to the Ryman.

Att : 167

Team: Eason, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Jenner, Lawrence,  Parker, Harvey,
Baverstock, Lawson
Subs: Brown (Lawence 80 mins) J Turner (Baverstock  65mins) Soutan (Parker 89 mins)
Not used: Bartrum  Austin

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Monday 9th April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 2-3 Tunbridge Wells

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Herne Bay missed a glorious chance to secure the League Championship after losing 2-3 to Tunbridge Wells at The Safety Net Stadium, Winch's Field on Easter Monday.
A lack lustre and, somewhat disjointed, performance coupled with an inspired goalkeeping display by the young Dean Nash put the celebrations on hold.
Bay started brightly enough going ahead in the 7th minute when Ollie Bartrum drilled in a low cross to allow Simon Austin to slot past Nash.
Herne Bay should have doubled their lead on 16 minutes but Luke Harvey’s headed attempt went wide following another good cross from  Bartrum.
Two minutes later Wells were level. James Campbell was penalised for a foul on Drew Crush on the edge of the box. A stunning free kick from Andy McMath beat the wall and Dan Eason. Bay hit back with Austin lashing in a shot that stung the hands of Nash, but the keeper managed to recover before Ashley Baverstock could latch onto the loose ball.
On 24 minutes Tunbridge Wells took the lead when Jack Harris, unmarked and in acres of space, latched onto a pass out of defence. The England schoolboy jinked through the Bay’s defence before slamming the ball past Eason.
Bay’s three man defence was being opened up far too easily. Carl Cornell and Harris in particular were causing all sorts of problems.
Bay should have equalised on 40 minutes when Austin rifled in a shot from 20yards that was superbly saved by Nash to ensure Wells went in at half time with a 2-1 lead.
Within two minutes of the restart Bay were 3-1 down, after a dubious penalty was awarded. Jamie Maxted was adjudged to have fouled Cornell, although it looked as if Cornell slipped, rather than being fouled!  McMath, slammed in the penalty.
Bay then upped the tempo and only a series of great saves by Nash, denied Michael Turner, Baverstock and Ben Brown. Even when Nash was beaten the woodwork came to his rescue after Harvey’s header thumped against the crossbar.
Chances were being missed at both ends but Harris was guilty of fluffing two great chances to put the game out of Bay’s reach. Nash again produced another fine save to prevented Maxted’s headed effort from crossing the goal line.
Michael Jenner replaced Ben Brown and shortly after Dan Lawrence came on for Michael Turner.
A minute later both Keepers were brought into action; first Dean Nash got down well to deny Austin and then Eason pulled off a great save from Crush at the other end.
As the clock ticked down Bay were awarded a penalty when Austin was brought down in the area. Tom Parker fired past Nash but any hopes of an equaliser were dashed when the referee blew the final whistle following the restart of the game..
With VCD also losing ,any win from the last five matches will secure the title for Herne Bay.

Att : 220

Team: Eason, Bartrum, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Brown, M Turner,  Parker, Harvey,
Baverstock, Austin
Subs: Jenner (Brown 71 mins) Lawrence (M Turner 76mins)

Not used: J Turner, Kennett, Bryant

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Saturday 7th April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 3-0 Fisher

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Herne Bay enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Fisher but it was not a "a stroll in the park". Fisher, to their credit, played some very attractive football throughout the game but they just could not find a  way through Bay’s solid defence.
Ashley Baverstock scored a brace and Club Captain Luke Harvey scored the other.
Herne Bay opened the scoring after only 5 minutes when Tom Parker launched a free kick from inside his own half to find Baverstock streaking through and lashing the ball past Danny Firkins in the Fisher goal.
Two minutes later Bay almost doubled the lead when James Campbell headed just wide following a free kick from Michael Jenner.
As the half continued Fisher were limited to the occasional counter attack but Bay’s back four were totally dominant. The game started to boil over, with tackles flying in, but after booking Tom Parker and Fisher’s Frankie Warren, the game settled down.
Rhys Lawson’s speed down the left was causing Fisher’s defence real problems and on 30 minutes he turned Kennison Elliott-Jarrett inside out before sending in a low cross which Harvey turned onto Baverstock but his effort was blocked by Bill Walton for a corner. Two minutes later an identical move by Lawson, ghosting past three defenders before whipping the ball into the box finding Baverstock  who coolly placed the ball wide of Firkins into the bottom corner.
Bay continued to get behind Fisher’s defence and on 40 minutes only a great double save from Firkins prevented efforts by Lawson and Dan Lawrence from increasing the lead.
Ollie Bartrum replaced Tom Bryant through injury early in the second half.
On 56 minutes Fisher had their first chance to reduce the arrears, but Adam Wadmore blazed over from 10 yards. Four minutes later Baverstock missed out on a hat trick when Firkins superbly tipped over his fierce snap shot volley and from the resulting corner Campbell was unlucky to see his header cleared off the line by Jarrett-Elliott.
Baverstock was replaced by new signing, Simon Austen, and received a standing ovation as he left the field of play.
On 73 minutes Harvey wrapped up the game after Tom Parker’s cross found him all on his own and he headed over  the advancing Firkins.
James Turner replaced Harvey for the final 10 minutes as Bay comfortably closed out the game. This was good win for Bay and enjoyable to watch with Fisher playing their part from start to finish.  For Bay, good performances from Rhys Lawson and Ashley Baverstock were the highlights. Bay are now only 5 points from the championship and with 6 games remaining it looks like this must be their year after two seasons of being runners up.

Att : 228

Team: Eason, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Jenner, Lawrence, Parker, Harvey, Baverstock, Lawson
Subs: Bartrum (Bryant 55 mins) Austin (Baverstock 63 mins) J Turner (Harvey 76mins)
Not used: Soutan,  Kennett

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Tuesday 3rd April 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Tunbridge Wells 0-2 Herne Bay

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After a run of four games without a victory, including  the FA Vase defeat at West Auckland, Herne Bay bounced back with a much needed victory over Tunbridge Wells at the Culverden Stadium.
The game wasn't a classic but Bay will not worry about that. What was important was the three points! It could have been very different; Wells were probably hoping to catch us still reflecting on Saturday's vase semi final defeat and for the first half they asked all the questions. Bay were struggling to keep possession, or indeed play any football. Maybe the pitch played a part in this.
However the second half was completely different and Bay took full advantage of a couple of goalkeeper errors. First from a free kick, Toby Ashmore floated a high cross into the area. Ashley Baverstock chased it down as keeper Dean Nash came off his line to collect. Whether Baverstock's presence caused him to take his eye off the ball, or a simple misjudgement, but he allowed the ball to bounce over his head and Baverstock  gratefully collected the loose ball to slide into the open net. Seven minutes into the half and Bay were in front. Five minutes later the lead was doubled. From another free kick just inside Wells half Michael Jenner fired in a shot which flew through Nash's hands and nestled in the back of the net. Bay were now firmly in control and Wells came up short with any meaningful attacks, except in the 80th minute when Dan Eason made  a point blank save from Carl Cornell from 2 yards out. A wonderful reaction save. If wells had scored at this stage it would have made a very interesting last 10 minutes.
Bay gave first team debuts for Simon Austin and Joe Kennett, the latter as a substitute late into the game.
Bay now have 3 games in the space of seven days if they win all three then they will be crowned Kent League Champions along with the long awaited promotion to the Ryman League.
Att : 205

Team: Eason, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Jenner, Lawrence, Parker, Austin, Baverstock, Lawson
Subs: Bartrum (Lawrence 72 mins) Harvey (Baverstock 80 mins) Kennett ( Parker 85mins)
Not used: B Ashmore J Turner

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Saturday 31st March 2012
FA Carlsberg Vase Semi-final 2nd leg
West Auckland Town 2-1 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay’s wonderful adventure in the FA Carlsberg Vase came to an end at West Auckland Town’s Darlington Road ground on Saturday, losing 2-1 on the day and 4-3 on aggregate, but it could have been so different had Bay had a little more luck and taken the chances that were on offer.
For the first 15 minutes Bay were in full control, attacking at will and being first to the ball on most occasions. It was no surprise that they took the lead after just 11 minutes. Following a foul by Andrew Green on Dan Lawrence, for which he was very lucky not to have received a caution, just inside the West’s half. Michael Jenner launched a high ball into the area that defender John Parker could only partly clear, James Campbell then back headed the ball to Tom Bryant, who slammed the ball high into the net.
This goal stunned West Auckland into action and on 22 minutes Dan Eason had to be alert when Adam Nichols produced a great shot after a defence splitting cross from Matthew Moffat; Eason saving well.
Lawrence almost scored himself a minute later when he punted forward a long clearance that rode on the wind, forcing keeper Mark Bell to back peddle like fury before  tipping the ball over the bar.
West Auckland came straight back pressurizing Bay’s defenders and were rewarded in the 32nd.minute when Nichols once again split the defence with a cross that Michael Rae dispatched with aplomb. Within 5 minutes Rae had doubled his score after a great move between Moffat and himself before firing across Eason and into the far corner.
On 40 minutes an injury to Steve Hanson meant he was replaced by Tom Parker.
Right on the half time whistle Rae almost got his hat trick when his thumping header rebounded of the post and into Eason’s arms..
The second half was only 2 minutes old when Green was sent off for using his elbow on Luke Harvey, but this did not deter them as they continued with Rae and Moffat being a constant threat.
Although Bay were reduced to the occasional counter attack they had chances to draw level.  On 52 minutes Harvey was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the goalkeeper’s leg and 5 minutes later, Rhys Lawson saw his effort crash off the under side of the bar into Bell’s arms. James Turner thought he had scored but alas the assistant’s flag went up for offside.
Liam Wellings replaced Turner and a few minutes later Karl Williams came on for Ben Brown. A big ask for two reserve team players in such an important game. It was hoped that their speed might disrupt West Auckland’s solid defence.
As the game came to a close, West Auckland shut up shop but there was still time for another close shave for Bay when Eason pulled off a superb double save from Moffat, which drew warm applause from the entire stadium.
In the final minutes Wellings saw his pile driver from 18yards sail over the bar. This was effectively Bay’s last chance before referee Robert Madley, despite playing 6 minutes added time, blew his whistle and Bay’s Wembley dreams were over.
Simon Halsey can feel really proud of getting Herne Bay to this semi-final and it will never be forgotten. Well done to all the players for their fantastic effort, not only in this match, but in all the previous rounds.
Now with only the League title to play for we must pick ourselves up and play catch up with our games in hand, secure the points to move away from the chasing pack.
 
Att: 1840

Team: Eason, Bryant, Ashmore, Hanson, Campbell, Jenner, Lawrence, Brown,
J Turner, Harvey, Lawson
Subs: Parker (Hanson 43 mins)  Wellings (Turner 65 mins) Williams (Brown 83 mins)
Subs not used: B Ashmore, Bartrum

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Saturday 24th March 2012
FA Carlsberg Vase semi-final 1st leg
Herne Bay 2-2 West Auckland

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HERNE BAY manager Simon Halsey says he has seen enough today to suggest his side will claim a memorable victory in the North East next Saturday to seal their passage to Wembley to reach The FA Carlsberg Vase Final.
It wasn’t the greatest of starts from the Kent Hurlimann Football League leaders.  Following  a mistake from  Bay’s central defender, Jamie Maxted, striker Michael Rae was gifted his nineteenth goal of the season, inside the opening eight minutes. Matthew Moffat doubled West Auckland’s advantage after eighteen minutes, but there was plenty of time left in this two-legged tie for Herne Bay.
After Byron Walker  raced clear and drilled a quality strike to score his 23rd goal of the season in the 29th minute, it was game on. Bay dominated the second half and when Rhys Lawson curled home an equaliser six minutes into the half to restore parity it meant there was everything to play for up at Darlington Road next Saturday.

However, a pulsating Cup tie, watched by a crowd of 1,810, was marred by mindless crowd trouble, which didn’t help when a group of visiting fans  joined the home faithful behind the goal of visiting keeper Mark Bell, The ‘home supporters’  took the bait and it looked as if trouble would kick off at any time. The stewards diffused the situation but control balanced on a knife edge throughout the game.A physically strong West Auckland Town side comfortably brushed aside a Herne Bay side who struggled to cope with their opponents early on and it came as no surprise that they broke the stalemate with 07:12 on the clock, courtesy of a defensive error.  Jonathan Gibson pumped the ball out of defence and Maxted inexplicably missed the ball , which ran through to Rae, who accepted the gift to slot a right-footed shot past the stranded Dan Eason, the ball flashing to the keeper’s left and into the back of the net to send the visiting fans’ and bench wild.
Herne Bay should have equalised in the seventeenth minute when they created their first chance. Lawson made a thirty-yard run at the West Auckland defence before teeing up Michael Jenner, who cut onto his left-foot and his low drive from 16-yards brought a comfortable save from Bell, low to his right. West Auckland hit back and doubled their lead, just 35 seconds later, in the 18th minute.
Moffat, who  was given far too much room cut inside Toby Ashmore and James Campbell and with only Eason to beat, slotted a right-footed shot past Eason  leaving the ball nesting into the bottom left-hand corner.

Bay  were still giving the ball away too cheaply and being knocked off the ball as the occasion seemed to get some of the players. West Auckland created another good chance when Stuart Banks clipped the ball over the top and Moffat shrugged off Campbell, cut inside but sent a left-footed curler just over the top of the left-hand post. This Bay side don not  know when it’s beaten and when Walker scored all the hope and belief came back into their play.
Lawson flicked the ball through to release the striker, who out -paced  defenders Neil Pattinson and Mark Stevensononce and drilled a stunning left-footed shot past Bell into the top left-hand corner, which sent the home faithful berserk.  With renewed confidence Bay surged forward. Ben Brown blasted a right-footed free-kick into the wall but picked up the loose ball and played a clever pass to Tom Bryant, who curled a left-footed shot agonisingly wide of the far post from 20-yards.
Bay forced their first of two corners when Brown drove the ball in from the left to find an unmarked Campbell at the far post, but the central defender headed the ball up into the air and Ashmore nodded the ball wide of the near post when it came down.
West Auckland called Eason into making a comfortable save when midfielder Mark Hudson stroked a left-footed shot from 25-yards after Moffat was released down the left and cut the ball back.
Herne Bay created the first chance of the second half after Lawson picked the ball up, cut inside and passed  to Luke Harvey, whose right-footed drive bounced wide of the far post. Danny Lawrence then cracked a speculative right-footed half-volley sailing over the far post, before West Auckland went close. Bell pumped the ball up field and the gangly Moffat flicked the ball across to Banks, who was left in space to his right, but the winger dragged his right-footed shot across Eason and past the far post.
Winch’s Field erupted when the home side levelled in the 51st minute. Lawrence picked the ball up and cut in from the right flank and looked up and swept the ball across to Lawson in space.  He cut inside and curled a low right-footed shot around Bell and the ball nestled into the bottom right-hand corner.
Herne Bay were now dominating proceedings and in truth created enough chances to win the game.
Lawson played in Walker, who slid a left-footed shot inches wide of the far post when well placed.West Auckland were now on the ropes, but they had a chance on the break when Moffat passed the ball to his strike partner, Rae, who shrugged off Campbell, but thankfully his right-footed drive bounced once into Eason’s gloves. West Auckland’s best chance came in the 62nd minute when Gibson sprayed the ball from right to left to Martin Young, who took a touch before cracking a right-footed drive from 25-yards, which Eason dived full-length to his right to push away.
Substitute Steven Brown played in Young, but he stroked a right-footed shot into Eason’s gloves in the final seventeen minutes. But Herne Bay almost snatched victory in the final four minutes after Walker won his dual against Stephenson, before slipping Harvey in behind the defence and with only Bell to beat his right-footed shot was blocked by the advancing keeper, low to his left.  The loose ball fell to Lawrence, who drilled a shot in from an acute angle, which Bell beat away, but Lawrence hastily fired his shot into the side netting.
West Auckland also had chances to win it.   The dangerous Moffat turned and cracked a left-footed drive wide of the far post.  Lawson then gifted the ball away to Banks, whose left-footed shot was comfortably saved by Eason.
There were no celebrations from both sets of players at the final whistle, but Herne Bay proved that yet again they have the quality, pride and desire to clinch the win up in the North East in seven days’ time to book a place at Wembley Stadium for the Final on Sunday, 13 May – and lift the silverware to mirror Deal Town’s success back in 2000.

Attendance: 1,810

Team: Eason, T Ashmore, Bryant, Maxted, Campbell, Jenner, Lawrence, Brown, Walker, Harvey, Lawson.
Subs not used  : M Turner, J Turner, Bartrum, Parker, B Ashmore

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Saturday 17th March 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Erith & Belvedere 3-2 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay paid the price for giving away too many free kicks in and around the area as they gifted the Deres with opportunities to score. In the first half they made the most of these chances given to lead 3-1. A much better 2nd half for Bay but at the end not quite enough.
The hosts dominated the opening period with on loan, Bromley striker, Orlando Smith, having a major influence on the game. Deres should have taken the lead in the 2nd minute but Lewis Wood blasted over from close range when it looked easier to score. Two minutes later Smith fired in a cross / shot from 35 yards which bounced off the top of the bar. Adrian Deane followed this with a fierce free kick volley which Dan Eason could only parry away.
It was 10 minutes before Bay made their first threat on Richard Stroud’s goal. Byron Walker jinked his way through Deres defence before putting Rhys Lawson through. Hesitation from Lawson and the chance was gone. On 15 minutes Dave Soutan heads inches over the bar from a Walker cross to the far post. Walker was again the provider a minute later with good inter-play with Ben Brown, and
Lawson and finished the move off by scoring, but his effort was ruled off side.
Following this the Deres took control of the game. Smith dispossessed Brown and made a surging run into the box. Joe Nelder withdrew his foot from the tackle but Smith was clever enough to ensure contact was made and won the inevitable penalty from which Deane made no mistake. Bay hit back with two corners in quick succession but Deres defended these well. Just before the half hour, another free kick needlessly given, from which Deane sent the ball into the box. Andy Constable knocked it down straight into the path of Wood who made no mistake from close range.
Bay then started to get back into the game and reduced the deficit when Lawson was given too much space and time 20 yards out allowing him to drill his low shot inside the near post. Ashley Baverstock hit his shot wide just wide of the upright after good work from Nelder. This was followed by Walker, again, jinking through the defensive line, putting Baverstock through, but this time Stroud blocked the shot with his outstretched leg. Then just as Bay thought they would get to half time a goal down, a poor headed clearance from Jamie Maxted went straight to Smith, who surged through the defence to fire a powerful shot which Eason did well to keep out. Unfortunately the ball rebounded back to Smith and this time he made no mistake smashing the ball into the top corner.
Bay started the second half much better, but lady luck just wasn’t on their side. Baverstock hits a shot just wide, Walker hits the post and then substitute, Luke Harvey goes through but his shot is blocked by Stroud on the edge of his area. The ball was cleared to Dan Lawrence, who fired in a shot from 30 yards at the open goal. Stroud raced back and with a full stretch dive just managed to turn the ball around the upright. Deres attacks were very infrequent. Eason was only called into action once.
Substitute, Jamie Wood fired a low shot into the box. The ball ricocheted off two Bay defenders and Eason did brilliantly to change direction before smothering the ball, averting the danger. Straight back at the other end Baverstock chased a ball down, beating Stroud to it and then crossing to the far post where Walker headed wide from the tight angle. Then with 8 minutes to go Harvey smashes the ball home to give Bay a life line but despite the referee playing 6 minutes of injury time Bay just couldn’t get that elusive equalizing goal.

Att:83

Team;  Eason, Nelder,  Bryant, Maxted, Campbell, Soutan,  Lawrence,  Brown, Walker, Baverstock,  Lawson. 
Subs;  Harvey,(Brown 65 mins)  Jenner ( Maxted 55 min)   
Not used : Bartrum,  T.Ashmore M Turner

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Wednesday 14th March 2012
Macron Premier Division Cup semi-final 2nd leg
Herne Bay 1-2 VCD Athletic.

pictures to follow

Herne Bay crashed out of the League Cup losing 2-1 on the night, 3-1 on aggregate to a determined VCD side at the Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field on Wednesday night.
A much changed side tonight, giving the squad players, who haven’t been getting a full game, a chance to show.
Bay started well, attacking down both flanks with Dan Lawrence and Rhys Lawson getting behind the Vickers defence and with only 6 minutes into the tie they scored to bring the scores level. A cross from Jamie Maxted went right through the Vicker’s, defence was met by Ashley Baverstock, beating the keeper, Adam Molloy, to the ball and sliding it into the bottom corner.
The Vickers got straight back into the tie with James Duckworth, Billy Bennett and Aiden Pursglove all putting Bay under pressure and on 14 minutes they cancelled out Bay’s lead. Duckworth surged down the right wing before picking out Pursglove with a great crossfield pass who in turn was left free to slam past Brad Ashmore.
Back came Bay, a minute later, Lawrenced crossed to Maxted, who played in Baverstock but his effort from the tight angle could only find the side netting.
For the rest of the half the Vickers took control  with Bay looking very disjointed and finding it hard to put any sort of pressure on Vickers  back four, where Gary Cook and James Brown were immense.
On 40 minutes Steve Hanson picked up an injury and was replaced by Joe Nelder. There were no further attempts on goal before the half ended.
The second period started and again Baverstock went close but his snap shot was well saved by Molloy. From this point VCD controlled the game and their no nonsense defending prevented Bay from posing any threats on  Molloy’s goal. VCD made sure of the tie in the 60th minute. Slack defending allowed the ball to find  Bennett unmarked in  the box and he made no mistake  placing his shot wide of Ashmore.
Bays last chance to draw level fell to Nelder, following a  Ben Brown corner, he fired over from 18 yards.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Byron Walker replaced  Baverstock in a bid to get back into  the tie but it all back fired as Walker was cruelly sent off.  He and a VCD defender ran into each other and as they crashed to the ground the referee spots Walker falling onto the player. Unfortunately the VCD player screamed out and the official deemed this suitable for a red card. Byron will now miss some very crucial games over the next few weeks and it will give Simon Halsey a real headache in his team selection..
Herne Bay were well beaten on the night by a workmanlike Vickers side that wanted the win at all costs.

Att:189
Team;  B.Ashmore,  T.Ashmore,  Maxted, Hanson, Jenner,  Soutan,  Lawrence,  Brown Harvey,  Baverstock,  Lawson. 
Subs;  Nelder (Hanson 40 mins)  Walker (Baverstock 71 min)
Not used : Bryant,  Bartum,  R Lawrence

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Saturday 10th March 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 1-0 Erith Town

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A strong looking Erith Town, including new signings Leroy Huggings and Marcus Perona, really put Bay to the test in a 'proverbial' six pointer at the Safety Net Stadium, Winch’s Field. Bay had to dig in and grind out a result which they did, thanks to a great headed goal from Steve Hanson early in the second half.
For the first 15 minutes Bay pressed down both flanks with Rhys Lawson and Dan Lawrence making chances for Byron Walker and Luke Harvey but the dockers  defenders, Ben Payne and Nick Davis were able to contain the threat.
On 20 minutes Erith were forced to make a change when Tyrus Gordon was injured. His replacement was last season’s match winner, Alex Tisse.
Bay started to exert pressure on Erith’s defence with Walker testing keeper, Kevin Fewell but on the counter attack, Huggins and Perona kept Bay’s back four on their toes. In the 25th minute the game became rather heated, resulting in a fracas breaking out and after a lot of pushing and shoving  Walker and Erith’s Liam Burgess were both booked.
Erith came back into the game with Huggins and Jack Hawkins both going close. Then minutes before the close of the half,  Bay were indebted to Dan Eason for a great save preventing  an Hawkins pile driver from giving the visitors a half time lead.
Herne Bay came out for the second period certainly showing more aggression and in the 50th minute took the lead courtesy of a Ben Brown corner and Hanson’s header at the far post. Five minutes later Hanson almost turned provider when he sent over a great cross to Dave Soutan, but his effort went wide of the upright..
On 60 minutes Eason came to the Bay’s rescue again with a superb save to deny Perona following a free kick 40 yards out. Ten minutes substitutions were made; Ashley Baverstock replacing Luke Harvey and Michael Jenner for Ben Brown.
The final 15 minutes saw Erith throwing everything at Bay, in search of the equalising goal. In the 78th minute Erith were awarded an indirect free kick just inside the penalty area but Perona blazed it high and wide. A minute later Walker received his matching orders, picking up a second caution, following a late tackle on Burgess.
Tisse could have rescued a point in the closing minutes but he blazed his shot over the bar when perhaps he should have done better.
With the defence in superb form, and Hanson giving Simon Halsey hard decisions with his defensive line up, Bay are looking really good.  Walker’s sending off the only problem as he will now miss the Vase semi final 2nd leg at West Auckland.
A great result for Bay, particularly as VCD and Tunbridge Wells also both lost. It now means that Bay only need 14 points from their last 9 games to secure the title.

Att: 243
Team: Eason, Eastwood, Bryant, Hanson, Campbell, Soutan, Brown, Lawrence, Walker, Harvey, Lawson.  
Subs: Baverstock (Harvey 70mins) Jenner  (Brown 70mins)
Subs not used:  J.Turner, M Turner  Maxted

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Tuesday 6th March 2012
Macron Premier Division Cup Semi-Final 1st leg
VCD Athletic 1-0 Herne Bay

Report by Peter Guise

After the historic and heroic efforts in the FA Vase in Gloucestershire, Herne Bay manager Simon Haley indulged in a spot of squad rotation for this cup semi final first leg. Seven players were rested although a handful of those were on the bench. The plan worked for all but the closing stages of the game when a piece of defending that would, undoubtedly, be described by Alan Hansen as sloppy gifted VCD a goal advantage to bring to the second leg at Winch’s Field.
The match also gave a rare opportunity for Bradley Ashmore to appear between the sticks and display his credentials as a capable understudy to Dan Eason. This he was called upon to do several times in the first half, most notably when Pursclove was through one on one in the 8th minute. Ashmore raced from his line to deny the VCD centre forward. He denied the same forward again 4 minutes before the break! The first 45 was a roller coaster affair with both sides having chances and both sides making mistakes, giving the ball away far too easily. That said, Herne Bay looked far the better when they had their passing game purring nicely, but that was happening too little.
James Turner might have scored inside 60 seconds but he shot straight at the ‘keeper after Baverstock’s rasping drive had been parried into his path. Turner did have the ball in the net on 37 although it was ruled out for offside. Two  minutes earlier, Ashmore had been called into action to palm away James Brown’s effort after Duckworth had robbed Maxted. 

After the break the game became a scrappy affair, neither side gaining overall supremacy although James Turner might have done better on the hour when he was released by a superb diagonal pass from Tom Parker.
Turner cut in from the left but blasted over. In the closing stages, it seemed that Herne Bay would gain the upper hand in this tie by achieving a draw in the away first leg but there was a sting in the tale. VCD issued fair warning to the Bay defence three minutes from time when the hard working Duckworth was through on goal but shot horribly wide – a huge let off! But then, with just a minute remaining, came that howler! Nathan Eastwood and Ollie Bartrum both had opportunities to clear the ball half way up the field but chose to attempt to play the ball out of defence. That didn’t work and Michael McKenna pounced on the error of judgement, taking full advantage to score. 

A disappointed Halsey said after the game that there was little in the game and a 0-0 was looking the most likely result until that moment. He explained his rationale for making sweeping changes. “Some players who haven’t played for a while got some minutes tonight,” he said, “we’ll be stronger on Saturday and in the second leg.” 

Attendance: 74

Team: Brad Ashmore, Ollie Bartrum, Jamie Maxted, Steve Hanson, Tom Parker, Michael Jenner (Dave Soutan 61), Nathan Eastwood, Ben Brown, James Turner (Luke Harvey 71), Ashley Baverstock (Rob Lawrence 81), Rhys Lawson.
Subs not used: Tom Bryant, James Campbell

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Saturday 3rd March 2012
Carlsberg FA Vase 6th round
Shortwood United 1-2 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay produced a truly fantastic performance in defeating Shortwood United 2-1 at the Meadowbank Stadium, to secure a place in the F.A.Vase semi-final.
Bay got off to the worst possible start. After only 44 seconds on the clock Dave Soutan was sent off by Ref. Andy Davies for a late tackle. This action did not deter the Bay team from attacking at every opportunity with Byron Walker and Luke Harvey being a constant thorn in the Shortwood defence.
The first real chance fell to Shortwood in the 20th minute when Kevin Slack rounded Steve Hansons tackle and fired in a cross come shot that rattled the far post but rebounded into Dan Easons arms.
With a strong wind behind them,Shortwood's policy was the long ball, route one, hoofing it up the middle. This suited Bay with Hanson, Campbell and Bryant all out-jumping Shortwood's forwards.
As the half progressed Bay's attacks became more frequent with Walker, Bryant and Jenner all going close. In saying that they were relieved when the half time whistle sounded. h/t 0-0.

With the half time words of wisdom from Manager Simon Halsey to guide them Bay came out in a determined mood. Byron Walker started to take on the Wood's defence and on 48 minutes only a last ditch clearance from defender Alton Axton prevented Byron from getting the ball into the net.
On 55 minutes Dan Lawrence replaced the Hard working Michael Turner. This worked well giving Bay fresh legs and more width down the right. Three minutes later Rhys Lawson fed a good ball through to Walker who broke away and placed a fine low shot past Tom King to giveBay a well earned lead. 1-0. Ben Brown was replaced by Nathan Eastwood to bolster the defence.
Walker then produced a great solo run through the Woods defence before squaring to Luke Harvey but the ball just squirmed beyond his reach. Dan Eason became Herne Bay's saviour with a superb save keeping out Kevin Slacks header from 5 yds.
Shortwood started to attack consistently and only great defending by Hanson and Campbell kept them out. But just before 70 minutes Shortwood's Joe Tustain found Kevin Slack in space. His effort was saved by Dan Eason but the rebound fell to Jake Parrott who smashed in the equaliser from 10yds. 1-1.
The game was turned on its head in the 77th. minute when Walker picked up a loose ball on the right but was brought down some 40yds out. Tom Bryant fired in the resulting free kick to the near post. Campbell back headed to find Steve Hanson rising above everybody to head home in the top corner. 2-1.
There followed 10 minutes of pure drama in which Dan Eason in Bay's goal will go down in folk lore at Home. Dan pulled off three fantastic saves. First to deny James Baldwin, who was stunned to see his goal bound shot clawed away from the top left hand corner. Then, from the resulting corner, a double save to prevent Jake Parrott scoring.
Byron Walker was replaced by James Turner for the final few minutes and when the ref blew the final whistle scenes of wild jubilation followed with players, fans and Bay officials all going ballistic, and why not.
Simon and the players were overwhelmed by the number of Bay fans that had made the long journey from Herne Bay and turned it into a home atmosphere.
For Bay the star man was the whole team but in particular Byron Walker, Steve Hanson and Dan Eason were Giants.
Herne Bay in the Semi-Final of the F.A.Vase, who would have thought that. What an adventure.

Team; Eason Hanson Bryant Campbell Jenner Soutan M.Turner Brown Walker Harvey Lawson.
subs; Eastwood J.Turner Lawrence Parker B.Ashmore

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Saturday 25th February 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 3-0 Cray Valley PM

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After a lack lustre first half,Herne Bay burst into action after the break with a brace from Ashley Baverstock and a goal from David Soutan to win 3-0 against a very competent Cray Valley side.
For the first 10 minutes Bay seemed to be on top with Rhys Lawson in good form, putting in some good crosses only for them to be wasted by Byron Walker, James Turner and Soutan. As the half wore on Cray started to get the upper hand with Rob Bryant and Luke Tanner constantly probing Bay's defence but they found Steve Hanson and James Campbell rock solid at the heart of the defence.
On 22 minutes Bay were unlucky not to go in front when James Turner hit the far right hand post from a tight angle. after being played in by  Walker. James injured his back while attempting to score and was replaced by Ashley Baverstock.
Cray started to increase the  pressure and on half hour mark Bryant should have put the visitors ahead when he burst through Bay's defence but hit his shot straight at Dan Eason.  Cray were dominant for the rest of the half, but neither side looked likely to score.
What ever was said in the changing room certainly worked wonders. Within 30 seconds of the restart Bay opened the scoring courtesy of a great piece of skill by  Baverstock, who skinned Cray's full back,Steve Springett, before slotting in from an acute angle.
Bay continued to press with Lawson and Michael Turner both going close.
Cray counter attacked in the 55 minute, when Joe Mathews broke through Bay's  defence only to be stopped by a great tackle from Hanson.
A minute later Walker produced a moment of pure magic, jinxing round two defenders but unfortunately his final effort went just wide.
With 20 minutes remaining Campbell was unlucky to see his thumping header rebound of the Cray crossbar, following a cross from Michael Turner. Two minutes later Turner was replaced by Dan Lawrence.
Then following a free kick for a foul on Walker, Michael Jenner fired in a kick that Cray's keeper, Jack Carthy failed to hold Leaving Soutan with the simple task of tapping  the ball home to double the lead. Ben Brown came on for Walker as Bay continued to press forward in search of another goal and were rewarded with three minutes left on the clock when Baverstock followed up his own, after Carthy again spilled the ball, scored his second and Bay's third.
In the closing minutes Cray's, James Miller, was dismissed, getting a second yellow for a foul on Ben Brown.
Cray can take a lot of credit from this game but they ran out of steam in the last half hour.
For Bay, Steve Hanson and James Campbell were both in superb form

Att: 210

Team: Eason, Eastwood, Bryant, Hanson, Campbell, Soutan, M.Turner, Jenner,  Walker, J.Turner, Lawson.  
Subs: Baverstock (J Turner 28mins) Lawrence (M Turner 71 mins) Brown (Walker 77 mins)

Subs not used:  Ashmore Bartrum

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Saturday 18th February 2012
Carlsberg FA Vase 5th round
Herne Bay 1-0 Larkhall Athletic

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A truly heroic display from Herne Bay saw them through to the quarter finals of the FA Vase for the first time in their history.
A single goal from James Campbell put paid to Larkhall's efforts.
Bay played with ten men for over an hour, after Tom Parker was shown a red card for violent conduct.
Bay took control of the tie with every single player giving 100% to the manager and the 600+ crowd at Winch's Field. It took a quarter of an hour for Herne Bay to settle down with both teams sounding each other out.
Sam Allison and Nat Aukland looked lively for the Larks and Byron Walker and Michael Turner constantly probing the Larkhall defence. The first real chance fell to Larkhall in the 20th minute when Ben Horan played in Aukland but his shot was well off target. 5minutes later Walker was put through by Luke Harvey, but he was crudely brought down by Ben Gilbert who received a caution for his efforts. The match exploded into a fracas following a late tackle by Turner, with Tom Parker receiving a red card and Larkhall's James Lyons getting a yellow.
For the rest of the half Herne Bay controlled the game with Lawson, Walker and Harvey all going close before half time.
The second half started with the Larks pegging Bay back deep in their own half, but Toby Ashmore and James Campbell were in superb form, snuffing out all that came their way.
On 59 minutes Rhys Lawson produced a great run down the left flank before squaring to Michael Jenner who fired a rasping shot just skimmed the post.
Over the next 10 minutes Walker and Dave Soutan both tested Chris Snoody in the Larks goal.
Danny Lawrence replaced Turner in the 70th minute; Turner received a standing ovation for his efforts.
Bay continued to attack, despite being one man short, but time after time Walker was brought down and this proved to be the Larks downfall.
On 86 minutes another foul on Walker resulted in a free kick 25 yards out. Jenner smashed the kick into the crowded area,the ball was deflected on to Campbell's knee and into the net.
Bay had deservedly got the lead and the Stadium errupted. Then followed 7 minutes of drama as the Larkhall pushed for an equaliser. On 88minutes a free kick from 30 yards by the Larks' James Crew struck the crossbar and away to safety.
Steve Hansen replaced Walker to bolster Bay's defence with minutes left on the clock.
In the dying moments of the game, Dan Eason became Bay's saviour with two great saves from Tom Welch and Allison.
When the final whistle sounded Bay celebrated, and why not. It is not every day you get into the last 8 of a national cup competition. Well done to all Bay players for a tremendous effort. A crowd of over 600 saw an amazing game; it was a credit to Kent football.

Attendance: 612

Team; Eason Eastwood Parker Ashmore Campbell Soutan (M)Turner Jenner Walker Harvey Lawson. subs; (J)Turner Hanson Lawrence(D) Lawrence(R) Ashmore(B).

 

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Saturday 28th January 2012
Kent League Premier Division
VCD Athletic 2-1 Herne Bay

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Unbeaten in any League competition matches for 12 months,  Herne Bay lost this impressive record on the anniversary of their last defeat. Exactly a year ago to the day Erith Town beat The Bay  4-1.
For some reason Bay just didn’t turn up, but take nothing away from VCD, they thoroughly deserved the victory. They were hungrier and it showed; even when they went down to 10 men, and then lost their keeper to an injury, they never really looked like giving up the lead which they obtained in the 52nd minute. Defensively Bay, for some reason, couldn’t handle the aerial threat of Billy Shinners and James Duckworth. This was Bay’s worst display of the season by far!
VCD started the game at a lively pace forcing Bay to defend deep. For the first 15 minutes Bay hardly got out of their half, then out of the blue, a breakaway attack, starting from Toby Ashmore’s long cross ball pass found Luke Harvey free on the left. The ball was played back to Rhys Lawson who cut inside and fired in a low drive which Vickers keeper, Martin Grant, failed to control, leaving Michael Jenner the simplest of tap ins.  For the next 10 minutes Bay had probably their best spell of the game and should have been 2-0 up after a perfect, Michael Turner, cross was met by Dave Soutan, ghosting in between two defenders to head the ball home. The assistant incorrectly flagged for off side but you knew it wasn’t going to be Bay’s day when the referee disallowed the goal. From this moment on it was all VCD. It started with a good ball through to Shinners. Last man, Nathan Eastwood unfortunately slipped allowing the forward  with time and space in the box with Dan Eason to beat. Fortunately for Bay his effort hit the upright with Eason beaten. A minute later Eason pulls off a good save from a fierce shot from Duckworth. Frantic defending followed and an equaliser always looked on the cards and in the 39th minute, Shinners got that goal. Bay failed to clear the ball and Shinners was put through; his low shot from the tight angle went across Eason into the net just inside the far post.  Eason then denied
Shinners again, pushing his shot onto the post and away for a corner.  Despite this pressure Bay did have one attack of note. Harvey going through, but Grant produced a fine full length diving save to turn the ball around the upright.
The 2nd period was no better, despite Bay starting much better than they did in the first. Vickers took the lead following a free kick to the far post, Bay again failed to clear and James Brown bundled the ball over the line. For the rest of the period Vickers slowed the game down and frustrated Bay. The game became stop start and after a 5minute delay as Grant received treatment; being replaced by Brown in goal, never got going again. The play became fractious and at times nasty. VCD were reduced to 10 men late in the half when  Jack Asbury was dismissed for a 2nd caution. Despite this they defended well to frustrate Bay and end Bay’s long unbeaten League run.

Att: 85
Team: Eason, Eastwood,  Ashmore, Bartrum, Campbell, Soutan, Jenner, M Turner, Walker, Harvey, Lawson,
Subs:   Baverstock (Harvey 50 mins) Brown (Bartrum 60 mins)  J Turner (Lawson 80 mins)
Not Used: Hanson, B Ashmore 

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Tuesday 24th January 2012
Macron Premier Division Cup 1/4 final 2nd leg
Erith & Belvedere 0-4 Herne Bay

 

Herne Bay progressed into the semi-final of the League Cup for the 3rd season running, with a very comfortable 4-0 victory on the night and 7-1 on aggregate. The ‘deres just didn’t turn up tonight and were not helped, when, after a bright start, they had a very soft penalty decision given against them in the 33rd minute.
The ‘deres started quickly applying early pressure and Andy Constable came close to opening the scoring with a back header which went straight into Dan Eason’s arms. Bay hit back with Rhys Lawson racing down the left flank and crossing low into the box but Ashley Baverstock failed to make a decent connection as his shot rolled into keeper Richard Stroud hands. Baverstock followed this with a good cross, which saw a bout of head tennis  before the ball fell to Tom Bryant who also scuffed his shot. The ‘deres came back  with probably their best spell of the game. First Michael Abnett blasted high over the bar followed by Constable playing a lovely ball behind the defender,  to set Badur Mohammed free on goal but he crashed the ball into side netting from the tight angle. That was about all we saw of the hosts as an attacking force and for the rest of the game Bay were always in total control. Michael Turner went close with a header, which was cleared off the line.Then the gift penalty. Adrian Deane adjudged to have pushed Turner in the box. Tom Parker stepped up and confidently stroked the ball past Stroud to effectively kill off the tie. Bay made sure minutes before half time when a free kick just inside the ‘deres half was floated to the far post and Dave Soutan smashed the ball home from close range.
The second half  became more like a training session for Bay. With Parker and Soutan controlling the midfield and when they were beaten the back four, with Steve Hanson dominant in the air, snuffed out any threat on Eason’s goal. On the flanks Michael Turner and Rhys Lawson were running their respective defenders ragged. Lawson fires a shot across the face of the goal with Stroud  struggling to reach it and this was followed by MT being put through by a sublime pass from Baverstock and his fierce shot saw Stroud fumbling. Erith & Belvedere had the occasional break and shot at goal but none of these efforts troubled Eason.
The 3rd goal was really well worked. Bryant brought the ball out of defence, swift passing between Lawson, Luke Harvey, Rob Lawrence, got the ball just outside the area. MT then slid the ball through for Soutan, who pulled the ball back from the by-line allowing Lawson to race in and drill the ball into the bottom of the net.  A minute later and it was 4-0 . Another penalty for Parker after Harvey was tripped in the box.
Bay played out the last 15 minutes with ease and can now go back to concentrating on the League with two very tough games to come against VCD and Tunbridge Wells.

Team: Eason, Bartrum, Bryant, Eastwood, Hanson, Soutan, M Turner, Parker, J Turner, Baverstock, Lawson
Subs:  Jenner (Bartrum 61mins) R Lawrence ( Baverstock 69 mins) Harvey (J Turner 73mins)
Not Used:  B Ashmore,  Brown

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Saturday 21st January 2012
Carlsberg FA Vase 4th round
Newcastle Benfield 1-2 Herne Bay

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About 100 loyal Herne Bay fans left the Newcastle Benfield, Sam Smith Stadium, in raptures after a goal in the 88th minute, from Rhys Lawson, gave Bay a 2-1 victory and with it a place in the last 16 of the competition.
The game was never going to be a classic owing to a 'Pudding of a pitch' and a strong, swirling wind. Both sides struggled with the conditions but the hosts seemed to handle the pitch condition much better than Bay. Bay’s players found the going very tough and were made to look very ordinary as they struggled to control the ball or even remain standing.
For much of the tie Bay had to dig in and withstand some really physical Newcastle challenges, both in defence and up front, with Byron Walker singled out for some special attention. Despite this Walker never backed out of the challenge. Michael Turner and Luke Harvey also worked the front line tirelessly. The first real chance fell to Newcastle Benfield. Lewis Teasdale thundered in a 30yard shot that went narrowly wide of the left hand post. The hosts, playing with the aid of the strong wind, had a period of sustained pressure, shutting down the Bay at every opportunity, with their man of the match, Brian Dodsworth, at the centre of most attacks.
On 17 minutes Turner made a dazzling run before giving Walker a shot on goal for the Bay but the shot was deflected by Kevin Leighton for a corner. Benfield hit straight back and only a brilliant save from Dan Eason kept Shaun Bell’s shot out.
On 25 minutes, Walker proved too quick for Leighton, resulting in a clumsy foul for which he was booked. Ben Brown floated the free kick into the box. Keeper , Andy Grainger, under pressure from Walker failed to clear. The ball fell to James Campbell standing 6 yards out. Campbell composed himself before placing his shot into the top corner to give Bay an important lead. Over the next few minutes Michael Jenner, Walker and Harvey all went close for the Herne Bay.
Newcastle Benfield drew level in the 37th minute when Dodsworth jinked past Turner before firing in a speculative cross towards the far post. Eason and Campbell both appeared to have it covered, but the ball moved in the blustery conditions and Campbell’s clearing header deflected into the net to bring Benfield level.
For the final 8 minutes of the half Bay went in search of another goal but were thwarted by determined defending by the Newcastle, aided by the strong wind.
Herne Bay started the second half more brightly with Walker, Harvey and Jenner all testing Grainger in the Benfield goal but as the game wore on Benfield seemed to be able to control the ball, and the conditions better than Bay and the consequence being  Bay were put under a lot of pressure. Bay weathered the storm and were unlucky not to go in front in the 62nd minute, after Toby Ashmore hit a thunderous shot against a wall of defenders  with the rebound cleared away.  Newcastle hit back but Eason pulled off a good save from Adam Scopes. Tom Parker replaced Brown for the last 20 minutes. Walker had a golden opportunity to put Bay in front when he beat the offside trap but keeper, Grainger pulled off a double save to deny him.
The home side threw everything into a big onslaught on Bay’s defence, but the defence held firm. With 12 minutes to go Leighton committed another late challenge on Walker. The referee had no hesitation in showing him his second yellow, dismissing him from the game. Bay now drew on all their reserves and upped the tempo. Turner was giving full back, Mark Turnbull a torrid time. He jinked his way past Tunbull and another defender on the far right and found Jenner free on the edge of the box. Jenner took a touch before turning and passing the ball into the path of Lawson, who drilled the ball past Grainger from 10yards. The reaction of both sets of players was a complete contrast, Benfield’s defenders lying distraught on the ground while Bay’s entire squad went absolutely ballistic, knowing that another 30 minutes on this stamina sapping pitch would not be required.
Many congratulations to Simon and all the team for a great afternoon’s work and now we wait for Monday’s draw to see where this fantastic adventure takes us next.

Att: 138

Team: Eason, Eastwood, Bryant, Ashmore, Campbell, Jenner, Brown, Walker, Harvey, Lawson
Subs: Parker (Brown 68 mins) Not used: B Ashmore, Hanson, Bartrum, J Turner

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Saturday 14th January 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 3-1 Lordswood

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A much improved performance earned the Bay all three points against a well drilled Lordswood side. Former Herne Bay manager, Jason Lillis put together a team that tried to play good football throughout the game and at times, particularly in the first half, really tested The Bay.
The first quarter saw Herne Bay constantly attacking Lordswood defence, with Dan Lawrence and Byron Walker looking very lively. Following an early foul on Toby Ashmore, Rhys Lawson found himself in acres of space but shot over from 10 yards.  Bay forced several corners but failed to make any inroads through the packed Lordswood defence.
Then on 18 minutes, Dion Monaghan capitalized on a mistake by Bay’s defence failing to clear the ball away, he fired in a cross to the far post that deceived everyone to find, ex–Bay player, Imran Englefield, free to slam the ball high into net from close range to give the visitors an early lead.
This goal spurred Lordswood on and the Bay found themselves  chasing shadows with Englefield, Monaghan and Domonic Elmes all testing Bay’s back four.
Bay had the ball in the net on the half hour when Dave Soutan bundled the ball in from close range, but was flagged off-side. Soutan went close again just before the break but Matt Byott saved well to ensure Lordswood a half time lead.
Bay came out of the blocks a changed side in the second half, forcing Lordswood back into their own half. This pressure brought dividends as Bay equalised in the 51st minute when James Cambell played in Dan Lawrence on the right. His cross found Tom Bryant inside the area who wriggled his way through Lordswood’s defence before stabbing home. Bay then laid siege on Lordswood’s defence with Nathan Eastwood, Lawrence and Walker all going close.
Ashley Baverstock was withdrawn on 54 minutes, making way for Club Captain, Luke Harvey.  In the 58th minute Ben Brown forced a corner on the left. Taking the kick himself he played in the perfect cross which curled and dipped over the mass of players into the top corner of the far post net, despite Englefields efforts to keep it out.
Brown was then replaced with Michael Jenner. Dan Eason, who had been a virtual spectator for most of the second half,  was brought into action in the 65minute when Englefield fired in from close range but Eason got down well to smother his effort.
Bay were given the opportunity to increase their lead in the 81st.minute by a rather dubious penalty decision when Walker went down under a challenge. Fortunately for the visitors Walker’s spot kick was hit straight down the middle and saved by the feet of a diving Byott.  Walker made up for his miss in the last minute of the game when another penalty was awarded to Herne Bay, after Lawrence had jinked his way past three defenders but was brought down by the fourth. This time Walker made no mistake to ensure Bay took the points with a 3-1 victory.

Att: 175

Team: Eason, Eastwood,  Ashmore, Bryant, Campbell, Soutan, Brown, Lawrence,  Baverstock, Walker, Lawson,
Subs:  Harvey (Brown 54 mins) Jenner (Brown 65 mins)  Not Used: J Turner, M Turner, B Ashmore 

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Wednesday 11th January
Macron Premier Division Cup 1/4 final 1st leg
Herne Bay 3-1 Erith & Belvedere

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Another indifferent performance tonight but another victory. The first half was a big improvement on Saturday even though it took the full 45 minutes to open the scoring. The football in the half was much better and Bay always looked in control. Bay took the opportunity to rest James Campbell, Ollie Bartrum, Byron Walker, and the Turner Twins, giving starts to Steve Hanson, Dave Soutan and Michael Jenner. Bay should have scored inside the first 10 minutes with Hanson heading over, Ben Brown going close following a good cross from Danny Lawrence. Deres also had chances in the opening quarter; Hussyein Budek  splitting the defence only to hit his shot wide. Hanson headed a corner clearance on to his own post and Tom Bryant cleared off the line. Brown and Ashley Baverstock both went close in the closing minutes of the half before Bay scored.
The goal was rather scappy; a  high ball into the area was dropped by keeper, Richard Stroud, after being pressurised by Hanson. The ball fell to Toby Ashmore who walked the ball over the line. Some referees may have given a foul on the keeper but as both player and keeper jumped for the ball together this official didn’t consider any infringement had taken place, allowing the goal to stand.
The second half saw a more determined effort from the visitors and this put Bay on the back foot for long periods. In fact the ‘deres were very unlucky not to score, only a frantic goal line block and clearance prevented both Andy Constable and Jamie Wood from levelling the score. Baverstock should have done better with a diving header but his effort went woefully wide of the target.
Bay rode their luck and inside the last 10 minutes Baverstock  and Soutan put Herne Bay firmly in control  of the tie with goals in the 80th and 85th minute.  Walker had just been introduced into the game and his presence in the attack had an immediate impact. From a Jenner cross, the ball fell to Walker. His shot was blocked with the ball running loose, allowing Baverstock to smash the ball home from close range. Urged on by this 2nd goal Bay pushed forward and were rewarded when Soutan headed Rhys Lawson’s cross wide of Stroud to put Bay
3-0 up.
Erith & Belvedere didn’t give up and were rewarded when Andy Constable pressurised  Steve Hanson on the edge of the area, forcing him off the ball. The ball ran free to substitute, Luke May, who placed the ball wide of Dan Eason to give the ‘deres some hope for better fortune in the second leg on Tuesday 24th.

Att: 131

Team: Eason, Eastwood, T Ashmore, Hanson, Bryant, Soutan, D Lawrence, Brown, , Baverstock, Lawson
Subs:  Walker (Brown 75mins)  Bartrum ( Jenner 79 mins)
Not Used:  B Ashmore, J Turner, Campbell

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Saturday 7th January 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 2-0 Corinthian

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For the last two seasons Herne Bay played really good football but failed to win promotion in both. This season the passing football appears to have taken a back seat but the team are winning. It may not be pretty football but at the end of the day it is promotion that the Club want and to get promotion we have to win the games. It doesn’t matter how ugly this may be, provided we get the three points. Today’s game showed this. Bay were not brilliant, and at times were out-played by this young Corinthian side, but Dan Eason didn’t have to make a save throughout the ninety minutes. A goal in each half for Ben Brown and Ashley Baverstock, with assists for both, from Byron Walker, secured the victory.
For the first 15 minutes Herne Bay constantly attacked the Corinthian defence with Walker looking very lively.
As early as the 4th minute James Lyons was booked for pulling down Walker when he through on goal. From the resultant free kick Toby Ashmore’s shot was well held by Dan Bygrave in the Corinthian goal.
Over the following 10 minutes both Tom Bryant and Ben Brown went close for Bay but the game tended to get bogged down in a mid field battle. On 25 minutes Walker broke out of his own half and ran through a bemused Corinthian defence only to be tackled on the edge of the box by Mark Axell.
Bay continued to attack. Following a Brown corner, James Campbell’s bullet header was cleared off the line by Corinthian’s Ben Wilson. Ryan Johnson and Lee Woodyard both wasted good chances for the visitors after catching the Bay on counter attacks.
Just before half time Bay were in front. Superb ball control by Walker and an unselfish square ball gave Brown the opportunity to slide the ball past Bygrave.
Corinthian started the second half with more impetus; Wilson was unlucky to see his effort blocked by Bryant. This scare brought Bay to life! surging up field with a quick counter attack, Baverstock put the ball in the net only for the referee to disallow it for an infringement on the Corinthian goalkeeper. A strange decision as Bygrave dropped the ball with no Herne Bay player near him.
Corinthian squandered a great chance to level when Jack Highwood broke through the back line only to but his effort, from 10 yards out, went well wide of goal. 
Walker fed a great ball to Baverstock but his snap shot was well saved by Bygrave.  Dave Soutan was introduced into the game replacing Brown.
Bay doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Walker again turned provider with another good ball to Baverstock, who coolly lobbed Bygrave from 18yards.
Herne Bay could have increased the lead on 7 minutes later when Soutan’s header rebounded off the bar. Further substitutions followed. Dan Lawrence replaced Michael Turner for the last 20 minutes and Ollie Bartram for Rhys Lawson 15 minutes later, as Bay played out the final minutes to secure another 3 points.
It was strange to see Dan Eason having such a quiet afternoon between the sticks but this could have been due to Ashmore and Campbell who were in fine form in front of him all afternoon.
An ordinary performance but it was enhanced by the Byron Walker and Ashley Baverstock partnership which has blossomed over the last couple of games.

Att: 216

Team: Eason, Hanson , Ashmore, Bryant, Campbell, Eastwood, Brown, Baverstock, Walker, Lawson, M Turner
Subs:  Soutan (Brown 63mins)  Lawrence  (Turner 70mins)  Bartrum (Lawson 85

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Monday 2nd January 2012
Kent League Premier Division
Canterbury City 2-3 Herne Bay

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A stunning last minute goal from Byron Walker secured all three points for Herne Bay against tenants, Canterbury City. The old adage 'A game of two halves' proved correct, with the first half being quite dull and goalless and the second nip and tuck all the way with five goals scored.
The first real chance fell to landlords, Bay after 10 minutes when Walker linked up well with Michael Turner, who laid the ball back to Dan Lawrence to rifled in a shot from 20 yards that went wide of the upright.
The game was getting bogged down in mid field but City broke out in the 22nd minute when right back Scott let fly from long range, grazing the Herne Bay cross bar. Three minutes later Scott played in Jake Marsh who tried to lob Dan Eason but Eason pulled off a good save.
Nathan Eastwood and Ben Brown both went close for Bay, as did  Renford Tenyue for the City but the half fizzled outgoal-less. Throughout the first half the ball was in the air far too much and with Bay  not having the tallest forwards around City found defending very easy.
Within 5 minutes of the restart Herne Bay burst into life, Good play from the midfield put Turner away down the left flank. His driven low cross was met by Ashley Baverstock, who calmly slotted past Dave Woodward from close range. This was the first real attack that Bay had played on the floor!
This goal really brought the game to life and within 3 minutes City had equalised. Bay’s defence failed to clear the ball ,despite having several chances to do so. Finally Jake Marsh slammed home from 10 yards.
This goal inspired City, forcing Bay side to defend deep. On 56 minutes only a last ditch tackle from Tom Bryant and a great save from Eason prevented ‘Buster’ Smissen from scoring.
Dan Lawrence was replaced by Rhys Lawson and in the 61st Bay were back. Brown played a great through ball to Walker who breezed past the City defence before stroking the ball under the diving, Woodward. Canterbury hit back immediately with a carbon copy of their first goal. This time Smissen slammed the ball home from close range.
City now had the upper hand and were really pressurising Bay’s defence. Steve Hanson came on for James Campbell, after he sustained a nasty cut on his head after clashing with Smissen, and Dave Soutan for Nathan Eastwood. This change had the desired effect as Bay started to dominate.
For the last 10 minutes Herne Bay continued to push forward with both Baverstock and Bryant going close. Then with time running out Bay were awarded a free kick just in their own half. Toby Ashmore’s kick found Walker on the edge of the penalty area. Taking one touch to control the ball, his shot crashed into the top corner, wide of Woodward to give Bay the winner with only a minute left on the clock.
This was not a full on derby match but it’s clear to see that this Bay team will fight to the end to get the result. Well done lads.

Att: 381
Team: Eason, Bartrum, T Ashmore, Campbell, Bryant, Eastwood, D Lawrence, Brown, Walker, Baverstock, M Turner
Subs: Lawson (Lawrence 57 mins) Hanson (Campbell 73mins) Soutan (Eastwood 79 mins)
Not Used: Lawson, Hanson, J Turner , B Ashmore

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Tuesday 27th December 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 3-1 Woodstock Park

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Herne Bay opened up a 12 point lead at the top of the Kent Hurlimann Football League Premier Division following a good workmanlike performance against a tough tackling Woodstock Sports; 3-1 being the final score-line.
Although Byron Walker will grab the headlines for his superb hat-trick,  Bay were indebted to a great mid-field performance from Ben Brown, who constantly broke up Woodstock attacks and his endless supply of balls to the front men were a feature through-out the game.
For the first 25 minutes Bay held the upper hand with Walker, Dan Lawrence and Luke Harvey all going close. Woodstock being limited to the occasional breakaway attacks via Joe Sands and Lyndon Rowland.
On 22 minutes Dan Lawrence went on a mazy run before firing in a fierce volley from 25 yards, only to see his effort graze the top of the bar. Three minutes later it was visitors turn to be disappointed when Dan Eason pulled off a point blank save from Sands.
Bay should have gone into the lead in the 35 minute when Lawrence fired in another stunning shot which keeper Jack Rankin flicked onto the post. Recovering quickly he reacted to prevent Harvey from smashing in the rebound from close range by somehow palming the ball over the bar for a corner; a really wonderful double save. From the resultant corner Tom Bryant skied his shot from close range high over the bar.
Surprisingly, when the half time whistle blew in was 0 – 0.
Herne Bay stormed out of the traps for the second half and after 4 minutes Walker was tripped in the penalty area, after outpacing his marker. The referee, Mr.Broughton pointed to the spot, and Walker fired in to put Bay into the lead. Rankin guessed correctly but went too far to his right only to see the ball deflect over the goal line, from his attempted save.
Two minutes later Bay doubled their lead following a quick breakaway down the right. Harvey played an inch perfect ball to Walker who slotted past Rankin with aplomb. Walker should have had his hat-trick in the 55 minute but a last ditch tackle from Lewis Rivett prevented this. Former Woodstock Sports player, Ashley Baverstock replaced Harvey and 5 minutes later Rhys Lawson replaced Michael Turner.
Woodstock started to press with Lee Hockey and Rivett causing a real threat to Bay’s defence. Then with 5 minutes left in the game Woodstock pulled a goal back when Tom Bryant pulled down Lyndon Rowland. It was debatable whether the offence was in the box but it made no difference as the referee pointed to the spot. Jon Neal fired in past Eason. Just like in the game at Woodstock Park earlier in the season it looked like it was going to be a desperate last five minutes. Fortunately Walker put the Bay’s supporters at ease, when, in the final minute, following another quick counter attack, he raced through a static Woodstock defence to hammer home, his and Bay’s third goal.
Then on the final whistle Lawrence fired in another great shot but Rankin pulled off another top drawer save to deny Lawrence yet again.
Many congratulations to Simon and the lads for getting to the half way stage of the season in such dominating form and only dropping 4 points in this season’s league campaign.

Att: 233

Team: Eason, Bartrum, Ashmore, Bryant, Campbell, Parker, Lawrence, Brown, Walker, Harvey, M Turner
Subs: Lawson (Turner 70mins) Baverstock (Harvey 61 mins) Eastwood (Brown 86 mins)   

Not Used: J Turner, Hanson 

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Saturday 17th December 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Holmesdale 1-4 Herne Bay

 

Returning to League action after a couple of weeks of cup football, Bay produced a good team performance earning all three points and defeating a determined Dalers outfit at Oakley Road by 4-1.
Right from the start Bay pressurisedf the Holmesdale defence and could have well have been five goals in front inside the first 20 minutes. Dan Teeley in the Dalers goal produced three great saves and when he was beaten the woodwork came to his aid twice. With Bay’s passing game tearing holes in Holmesdale‘s defence, Dan Lawrence and Michael Turner attacked down both flanks feeding Byron Walker and Ashley Baverstock in the middle. Chances fell to Ben Brown and Walker; Walker hitting the bar with a cracking shot, and followed by Lawrence, also striking the woodwork, with a deft chip over Teeley.
Holmesdale’s first attack of note came in the 25th minute when Ricky Spain fired high and wide when put through. This spurred the Dalers on to enjoy a good 10 minute spell in which Steve Stotten and Jim Baker both went close.
Bay started to get the upper hand with both Baverstock and Walker forcing further good saves from Teeley.In the 40th minute Bay took the lead with a wonderfully worked goal. Good interchange between Brown and Turner allowed Turner to turn Dalers right back, Curtis Williams, inside out, before he slid the ball back to Brown who fed Walker with an inch perfect pass into the box which he slid under Teeley from close range.
The second half started in much the same manner with Bay forcing Holmesdale deep into their own half. Brown and Baverstock both went close but Teeley was still in very good form , thwarting both players.
Then in 51st minute Walker played a defence splitting ball through to Baverstock who advanced one on one with Teeley and coolly placed the ball wide of Teeley to double Bay’s lead. Holmesdale then threw everything they had back at Bay and on 55 minutes only a last ditch goal-line clearance from  Ollie Bartrum prevented Baker scoring. James Turner  replaced Baverstock after he received a knock.
On 74 minutes Holmesdale pulled a goal back when Brad Ashmore spilled a simple shot right in front of the Stotten and he made no mistake from close range. Ashmore more than made up for his slip, saving well from both Stotten and Baker in the 81st and 82nd minutes.
Luke Harvey replaced Walker in the 82 minute but within 30 seconds was booked for shirt tugging and then 2 minutes later shown a 2nd yellow and dismissed for a lunge at the Teeley, when going for a 50/50 ball .
For the last 10 minutes, with Bay playing with 10 men, Holmesdale pushed everybody forward
searching for the equalizing goal. Unfortunately for them their loss of defensive discipline allowed the Turner twins to exploit the gaps being left. First James took on the defender, turned and calmly chipped the ball over the advancing Teeley to restore Bay’s two goal lead with only 2 minutes left on the clock. This was followed by Michael beating the off side trap to rifle home Bays fourth in the closing seconds..
With this victory Bay opened up a nine point lead at the top of the table and on this form they will be a very hard team to beat in the title run in. One thing is for sure it is their title to lose!

Att: 58
Team: B Ashmore, Bartrum, T Ashmore, Campbell, Bryant, Parker, D Lawrence, Brown, Walker, Baverstock, M Turner
Subs: J Turner (Baverstock 61 mins)  Harvey (Walker 83mins)
Not Used: Lawson, Hanson, R Lawrence

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Saturday 10th December 2011
Kent Senior Trophy 2nd round
Herne Bay 0-1 Sevenoaks Town

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Herne Bay crashed out of the Kent Senior Trophy losing 1-0 to Sevenoaks Town in a fragmented and scrappy affair.
Bay made seven changes to the starting line up that played last Wednesday in the FA Vase, resting the players after two very tough matches.
From the kick off both teams seemed incapable of putting two passes together, giving the ball away far too frequently.
Bay were first on the attack in the 6th minute with Luke Harvey hitting the post and Chris Steadman clearing the rebound for the Oaks. Four minutes later Sevenoaks should have gone ahead when Darren Marsden was caught in possession, losing the ball in mid-field that allowed Tony Atkins to run through Bay’s defence only for keeper, Bradley Ashmore, to save superbly.
With 15 minutes on the clock, Jamie Maxted was booked for a foul on Shaun Brown. From the resulting free kick a fierce shot from George Savage hit the post. Steve Hanson was quick to clear his lines.
The game was getting bogged down in mid-field but on occasions, quick counter attacks by both teams, resulted in woeful finishing. Bays had a couple of very good chances; Luke Harvey just failing to get a touch as the ball sped across the line and  possibly the best chance came in the 43rd minute falling to Dan Lawrence, after being fed a great ball from Harvey, screwed his shot wide of the target.  Bay started the second half much brighter and after two minutes Lawrence won a corner. He played it short to Marsden to cross to Harvey who mis-kicked from 4 yards out and with it the chance was gone.
Darren Marsden, who looked as if his mind was elsewhere, was replaced by the energetic, Ben Brown.
Bay started to get the upper hand and Sevenoaks were indebted to their keeper, Graham Howard who produced a string of good saves denying Lawrence, Rhys Lawson and Brown from scoring in a five minute period 25 minutes into the half.
With extra time looming Byron Walker replaced Joe Nelder in the 80th minute. Then two minutes later, following a goalmouth scramble, Savage fired through a sea of legs to give the lead to the visitors.  More woe for the Bay a minute later when Maxted was shown a straight red.
When the final whistle blew, as Bay rued the numerous missed chances, Sevenoaks quite understandably celebrated their victory.
No team likes to lose but this may be a blessing in disguise. With sights set on further progress in the FA Vase and promotion, to not have the added distraction of the KS Trophy can only benefit Bay’s chances.
Att: 165
Team: B.Ashmore, Bartrum, Maxted, Hanson, Campbell, Nelder, Lawrence, Marsden, Baverstock, Harvey, Lawson    
Subs: Brown (Marsden 55 mins) Walker (Nelder 78 mins)
Not used: T Ashmore, Bryant, Eason

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Wednesday 7th December 2011
Carlsberg FA Vase third round replay
Herne Bay 3-1 Hanworth Villa

Report by Barry Tracy

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It wasn't pretty at times, and yet we find ourselves with the  task of heading to the North East in the middle of our Winter  to seek progress in the 4th round of the FA Vase . Let's be honest about this,  at times we rode our luck. Dan Eason pulled off at least 3 first class saves to keep us in the game, as Hanworth’s no nonsense style threatened to disrupt our latest unbeaten run.
Hanworth played better  tonight at our place than they did on Saturday on their own patch, and they worked us hard even when down to 9 men. The first half was instantly forgettable, when the one decent ball through that we played all night on 45 mins saw us take the lead. Darren Marsden slipped Michael Turner in to the box, and with one touch to settle himself he buried a carbon copy finish look alike goal, aka Winchester in the last round. We hardly deserved the lead but we had it anyway as the half time whistle blew. The 2nd half did not see much improvement from us, and when bulky Villa forward Levi King made it 1-1 on 70 minutess, it was no great surprise. As the  game neared the 90 minute mark,the visitors lost two players to red cards, seeing them having to play extra time  9 v 11. Steve Loveridge got a straight red for a two footed lunge that caught Toby Ashmore, and then Lee Morley saw red with his 2nd yellow of the night for stupidly kicking the ball away just 2 minutes later. In extra time Villa threw caution to the wind and attacked as if their lives depended on it. Gaps however inevitably started to appear, and when Tom Bryant found the ball at his feet in the 6yard box and no one at home, a simple tap in and it was 2-1. Late in the 2nd period of extra time, Byron Walker converted a penalty to seal the game, after he was shoved over in the box by a desperate piece of defending by the visitors full back. 3-1 to 'The Bay' was harsh on the visitors who played very well on the night. Newcastle Benfield away on 21st January 2012.

Team: Eason, Ashmore, Bryant, Maxted, Campbell, Parker, Lawrence, Marsden, Walker, Brown, M Turner
Subs: Lawson (Lawrence 55mins) J Turner (Brown 63 mins) Nelder (Parker 108 mins)                                   

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Saturday 3rd December 2011
Carlsberg FA Vase 3rd round
Hanworth Villa 2-2 Herne Bay

 

Although the Bay were ahead twice in this FAVase, 3rdround, Hanworth Villa fought back to force a replay in extra time to leave the sides level at 2-2.
Right from the kick off the Villa set out their stall by pumping long balls up to their two big forwards, Levi King and Lawrie Shennen. These tactics seemed to unsettle the Bay for the first half hour but as the game wore on Bay got to grips with this play, which was certainly more effective than that adopted by Winchester City in the last round, and responded  by playing their own brand of passing football.
Villa had their first chance on 3 minutes, forcing a corner, Steve Loveridge sent over a peach of a cross but Dan Eason punched clear. 5 minutes later their front talisman, Levi King, launched a shot from fully 40yards that Eason did well to cover. Eason was again called into action, minutes later, to smother another King effort.
Bay’s first real chance came in the 16th minute when Ben Brown forced a corner but Jamie Maxted’s header went just over the bar.
With Bay now realising how the hosts played they started to force the play, getting more and more into the game.  Brown, Byron Walker and Rhys Lawson all went close but none of them could find a way through the Villa defence.
Villa were always dangerous and only a brilliant save from Eason prevented Loveridge from opening the scoring. Then on the stroke of half time, King blasted a full blooded drive, only to see his effort crash against the bar with Eason well beaten. This was not a very good 45 minute performance by Bay, and Villa should have converted some of their chances. The second period Bay started in a much more determined mood. 5 minutes into the half, Darren Marsden came closest to breaking the deadlock, only a great save from the Villa keeper, Terry Buss, kept his effort out.
Michael Turner replaced Rhys Lawson in the 60th minute, and this seemed to have the desired effect as Bay started to get the upper hand. Dan Lawrence and Walker saw their efforts go agonisingly wide of the target. In the 64th minute Villa’s, Jimmy Major squandered the best chance of the tie when he mis- kicked in front of goal.
Four minutes later Bay won a free kick within their own half, Brown launched a great ball into the area that the Villa defenders failed to clear effectively. The ball came out to Walker  whose  headed attempt was brilliantly save by Buss.  Steve Hanson replaced Ollie Bartrum at full back and this effectively snuffed out Villa’s left flank attack. Bay’s pressure was having the desired effect and they, not surprisingly, went into the lead following a free kick on the half way line, Maxted found Walker, who made no mistake in driving the ball past Buss inside his near post  from 10yards.
This lead only lasted 4 minutes, following a free kick on the far left,Villa’s leading scorer,  Shennan rose above Bay defenders to head past Eason with only 7 minutes left of normal time.
Within 3 minutes of the restart Bay restored their lead when Turner won the ball in mid field and played an exquisite pass splitting Villa’s defence to allow Lawrence to race in and drill a low shot past Buss into the bottom corner.
In the last minute of extra time Eason again came to Bay’s rescue as he pulled off a great save from Loveridge.
With time running out Villa went looking for an equaliser and with three minutes left on the clock they were rewarded  when substitute, James Wood, scoring his first goal drilled a corner clearance  through the packed area and past Eason for a dramatic tie saver.
A large contingent from Herne Bay travelled up to Hanworth but left a little disappointed after conceding so late in the game but that is football and full credit to Hanworth, they never gave up and deserved to take the game to a replay.

Attendance : 154

Team: Eason, Bartrum, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Parker , Marsden, Lawrence, Brown, Walker,  Lawson
Subs used: M Turner (Lawson 60 mins) Hanson (Batrum 76 mins)  Nelder (Brown 111 mins) 

Subs not used:  B Ashmore,  J Turner

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Saturday 26th November 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Fisher 1-5 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay put their 'off field problems' on the back burner to produce what can only be described as a tremendous team performance when beating a good Fisher side 5-1 at their Dulwich Hamlet ground. Byron Walker will be getting the headlines for his 4 goal haul, but it was the whole team that deserved the plaudits.
The game started at a frantic pace with both teams 'going for it'. Bay had the first chance with only two minutes on the clock, Walker breezed through Fisher’s defence only to blaze high over Billy Hensman’s goal.
Two minutes later Fisher took a shock lead when following a quick counter attack, Chris Hubbard stroked the ball past Dan Eason after some uncharacteristic hesitation in Bay’s defence.
Bay then applied serious pressure and began to outplay their hosts. There were near misses from  Ben Brown, whose free kick from 30yards hit the post, Tom Parker, Dan Lawrence and Walker in the next quarter of an hour.
Fisher always looked dangerous going forward, with Peter Afolayan, Jamie Turner and Mark Sissons causing concerns for Bay’s back line. If Sissons had scored when he broke through Bay’s defence it may have been a different story but he blasted wide from 10 yards and from that moment on Bay took total control of the remainder of the half.
On 25 minutes, Michael Turner surged down the left side; his cross was met by Walker who fired a low drive under the diving Hensman from outside the 18yard box to level the scores. Straight from the restart Bay regained possession and when defender Chris Helps failed to head the ball clear, the keeper attempted to get the ball back into his area. Walker’s swift challenge caught him by surprise, forcing Hensman to haul down the rampant Walker in the box. Walker got to his feet and thumped the ensuing penalty home to give Bay the lead.
Fisher were now limited to the occasional break but Bay’s defence had now settled down and were very assured, thwarting any further attempts on Eason’s goal.
Bay were now forcing Fisher to defend deep and with 10 minutes left in the half Brown forced a corner. A quickly taken corner found Darren Marsden who ran the line before drilling a shot into the packed penalty area, where it deflected off the heel of Helps to roll over the line to put Bay 3 -1 up.
Just before the half time whistle Fisher had two good chances but shots from Afolayan and Turner were well saved by Eason.

Rhys Lawson replaced Turner inside the first five minutes of the 2nd period; Turner damaging his toe in the first half.
Bay increased their lead with some very good football, Brown won the ball in mid-field, played in Marsden who stroked the ball to Walker to fire home from close range to give him a well deserved hat-trick.
Then in the 70th minute Walker scored his fourth goal of the game. Once again Marsden supplied an inch perfect ball allowing him to run through the defence before sliding past Hensman.
On 80 minutes Walker left the field to rapturous applause from the delighted Bay supporters, replaced by James Turner.
Bay then played out the final ten minutes with a display of possession football knowing that they had produced one of their best displays of the season just to show the doubters that they still intend to win this league despite the loss of the Chairman, sponsorship and a reduction in their expenses.

Attendance : 116

Team: Eason, Bryant, Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Parker , Marsden, Lawrence, Brown, Walker,  M Turner
Subs used:  J Turner (Walker 78 mins)  Lawson( M Turner 51 mins)
Subs not used:  Baverstock, Bartrum, Harvey

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Saturday 19th November 2011
Carlsberg FA Cup 2nd round
Herne Bay 3-1 Winchester City

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Herne Bay progressed into the 3rd round by beating Sydenham Wessex Premier League high flyers, Winchester City in front of a very good, and vocal, 302 crowd. Seldom will Bay against such a good side that Winchester were. The visitors pressurized Bay from start to finish and will perhaps feel a little unlucky not to have earned a replay at least. But Bay took a leaf out of Whitley Bay’s tactics of absorbing pressure and hitting back quickly and hard on the counter attack. At the end it was Bay’s superb defence and an all round desire to win that saw them through.
Winchester started the quickest, forcing Bay back into their own half, but Bay’s speed in attack was also causing problems to their back four. Herne Bay took an eleventh minute lead through Tom Parker. Winchester’s direct tactics had Herne Bay exactly where they wanted them and Bay were guilty of clearing with long balls , which were comfortably dealt with by Leigh Mills and Conor McCarthy at the heart of the visitors’ defence. But when Bay put together their normal passing game, it resulted in the opening goal.  Darren Marsden and Byron Walker combined down the right allowing Toby Ashmore to whip in a cross deep into the area . Alex Przespoleweski headed away but the ball fell to Parker who blasted  a 25-yard left-footed drive that nestled into the bottom right-hand corner. Guy Butters’ side levelled three minutes later when Charlie Smeeton steered home from close range  after Tom
Dunford’s superb free-kick rebounded off the post. This equalizer spurred the Visitors on and they came very close to adding to the score with efforts from Gary Lindsey, heading over from close range and Jamie White volleying just wide of the upright, after good work from Dominic Allen. Eason however was the hero in the 26th minute. Allen slipped the ball through to Chris Mason down the left and he whipped in an excellent cross towards the far post where the towering Lyndsey looked certain to score with a downward header from just three yards out but Eason dived swiftly to his left to push the ball behind for a corner. This was the turning point for Bay; they started playing football and took the game to Winchester. Good efforts from Walker, volley hitting the post, and Danny Lawrence gave the crowd something to cheer. Then in the 35th minute Bay’s luck changed with McCarthy adjudged to control the ball with his arm in the area, following another Ashmore cross. Up stepped Walker to power the ball past keeper, Ryan Gosney. Bay were now the dominant team and further chances fell to Ben Brown and Walker but timely clearances from Mills kept the score at 2-1.
Bay went close to going further in front just 39 seconds into the second half when Marsden was denied his 13th goal of the season as Gosney dived to his right to tip the right-footed shot around his post after Rhys Lawson’s pass from the left.
This was followed by Eason’s second best save of the game a minute later when he tipped White’s left-footed drive from 18-yards around the post after Gosney launched a giant-kick up field.
Winchester squandered some good chances before the hour-mark as they dominated possession, Steve Hanson and James Campbell both making goal line clearances to keep out Smeeton and Lindsey. Lawrence did well to maintain possession of the ball after a poor touch and slid the ball into Marsden’s path, whose stinging right-footed drive from 25-yards was struck straight at the Winchester keeper. Further chances fell Bay’s way when Rhys Lawson wriggled his way through the Winchester defence down the left and his centre found substitute James Turner, whose low left-footed drive was fired straight at Gosney.
Despite plenty of late pressure, Winchester failed to trouble Eason again as a blue defensive wall was put up in front of him. This was a different Herne Bay to normal with resolute defending coupled with quick counter attacks. Winchester didn’t seem to have a plan B. The ball was just pumped into the box time after time. Campbell and Hanson were outstanding in the air and were comfortably dealing with this aerial threat. Then with 6 minutes of injury time played and Winchester pushing forward Bay broke away. JT cut in from the right, passed to Walker who took the ball across the 18 yard line before spreading  the ball out wide to Michael Turner, who took a fine touch, cut inside before firing a right-footed curler which flew past the diving Gosney into the far corner. Game Over.

Attendance : 302

Team: Eason, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Parker , Marsden, Lawrence, Brown, Walker,  Lawson
Subs used: Hanson (Bryant 48 mins)  J Turner (Brown 62 mins)  M Turner (Lawson 75 mins)
Subs not used:  B Ashmore,  Bartrum

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Saturday 12th November 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 1-0 Sevenoaks Town

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Sevenoaks Town produced a team performance which was applauded by the Bay supporters as they left the field. They felt they had been cheated out of a point claiming the ball was kicked out of their keeper’s hand by  Ben Brown before he scored the only goal of the game.
This young Sevenoaks side is being well groomed by their young manager Darren Anslow, their work rate and stout defending probably deserved a draw but when considered over the 90 minutes Bay earned the points. Their keeper, Mark Bailey, produced a string of top draw saves, their defence produced three goal-line clearances and the woodwork was hit twice. Oaks did have their own chances but Dan Eason, being one of the best keepers in the league, produced two wonderful saves to keep the visitors at bay.
The first half produced a very lack lustre performance as far as Bay were concerned. With Byron away in Germany, Ashley Baverstock and Rhys Lawson led the front line.  However their performance in front of goal was, to say the least, not very good.
The game was very even in this period, with Oaks threatening on their breakaway attacks. In fact they should have taken the lead within the first minute, but Tony Atkins squandered a golden opportunity after rounding James Campbell. Eason pulled of  a fine save from a free kick midway through the half but apart from this it was all he had to do.
The second half produced a more concerted effort  from Bay, forcing Sevenoaks to defend in numbers. Bay were playing much better football but the oaks defenders were chasing down every attack and working extremely hard to thwart Bay. Oaks also had a lot of good fortune, no more than their play deserved.
Baverstock was free in the box when a cross from Danny Lawrence came in; his header placed to the keepers left looked goal bound but somehow Bailey produced a simply stunning save to turn the ball away for a corner. There followed a period of extreme
pressure from Bay. A free kick, 30 yards out by Brown bounced in front of Bailey and he reacted by pushing the ball upward allowing Campbell a free header, which unfortunately wasn’t powerful enough which allowed the Oaks number 2 to head the ball off the line.
Bay were moving the ball from side to side in order to create an opening. The ball was finally crossed to Lawrence who controlled it on his chest before volleying onto to bar.
From a throw in the ball was played to James Turner. Ghosting around the defender he pulled the ball back into the path of Lawson who sliced his shot  well wide of the target.
Substitute, Darren Marsden then produced a jinking run across the 18 yard line before passing out to Tom Bryant, who raced in to fire  a low driven shot across Bailey,  and hitting the upright.
It looked as if it was not going to Bay’s day but then, in the 81st minute, Brown scored the all important goal. Fumbling a cross into the box, Bailey seemed to have gathered the ball but under pressure from Brown the ball broke loose to Lawrence who quickly flicked the ball back to Brown and he made no mistake driving the ball under Bailey into the back of the net to the delight and relief of the Bay players, management and supporters alike.
In the final seconds Sevenoaks were awarded a free kick 20 yards out. The sweetly struck kick around the wall was brilliantly saved by Eason to the delight of all. Bay got the three points and on a day when their groundshare tenants produced the result of the day beating Erith & Belvedere to give Bay some breathing space at the top of the table.
 
Attendance : 170

Team: Eason, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Parker , Jenner, Lawrence, Brown, Baverstock,  Lawson
Subs used: Marsden (Parker 60 mins)  J Turner (Baverstock 70 mins) M Turner  (Lawson 80 mins) 
Subs not used:  Hanson,  Bartrum

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Saturday 5th November 2011
Premier Division Cup 1st round 2nd leg
Deal Town 0-3 Herne Bay

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With players rested it was the perfect opportunity for other players to impress.
The rain may have teemed down throughout the game but Deal had more problems trying to stop Bay’s forwards teeming down on their goal. In order to get back into the tie Deal had to make an early breakthrough but it was Bay who showed their dominance by scoring twice inside the first eleven minutes.  The first goal came from Bay’s first real attack.
Tom Parker started the move with a superb pass out to Dan Lawrence on the right. DL cut in before sending the ball across the 18 yard area allowing Michael Turner to  race in and place the ball through the packed defence and wide of Chris Waymark into the bottom corner. A quality strike by MT.
Five minutes later Bay won a corner on the left. DL floated a ball to the back post, finding James Campbell completely free to nod the ball back inside the box where Tom Bryant was at hand to smash the ball home from close range.  Michael Jenner put the tie totally out of Deal’s reach with a fantastic strike on 20 minutes. Receiving the ball 25 yards out, he had so much time that he was able to get the ball under control, look up, before hammering an unstoppable volley in off the crossbar to put Bay 3-0 up on the day.
Dan Eason had only one save to make all day and what a save it was. Ashley Baverstock back pass to Bryant was woefully short, giving possession to the Deal forward who advanced on goal and fired a low drive, which looked to be a certain goal but Eason somehow managed to get an outstretched hand on the ball to steer the ball around the upright.
Deal defended much better in the second half, preventing Bay from posting a cricket score.
All the football was played by Bay but they just couldn’t find that killer touch in front of goal. Substitutions brought  Darren Marsden, Byron Walker and JamesTurner into the game despite this Bay were unable to increase the scoreline.
But at the end of the day a 6-0 aggregate win, no goals conceded and despite the appalling weather, there was some superb passing play displayed throughout the game.

Attendance: 91

Team: Eason, Bryant, Bartrum,  Hanson, Campbell, Parker, Jenner, Lawrence, Brown, Baverstock, M Turner
Subs used: Walker (Baverstock 55 mins) Marsden (M Turner 70 mins) J Turner (Lawrence 78 mins)   
Subs not used:   Eastwood T Ashmore

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Saturday 29th October 2011
Premier Division Cup 1st round 1st leg
Herne Bay 3-0 Deal Town

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Bay made hard work of securing the victory, but if they had taken all the chances created in the first half,  the game would have turned into nothing more than a training exercise! Danny Lawrence scored Bay’s first goal inside the first 9 minutes after good work by Rhys Lawson on the left. Lawson lost the ball to the defender but won it back, jinked inside and delivered a sublime cross to the far post where DL raced in behind the defender to stroke the ball home.
Goal-line clearances followed in the 16th minute from a James Campbell header and again from a Lawson header 4 minutes later. Lawson was on target again one minute later when his fierce volley from 20 yards was well saved by keeper, Chris Waymark. Further chances went begging and the visitors were very lucky to see through to the interval only one goal behind.

In the second half it was much of the same. Lawson squandered a golden opportunity by firing straight at the keeper from close range, after Lawrence ‘s cross had put him free in front of goal. Deal were having their best spell of the game but regardless of this Brad Ashmore had very little to do in Bay’s goal.
Then, against the run of play, new signing Ashley Baverstock, struck a low drive across the keeper into the bottom corner to double the lead. This was no more than Bay deserved but it took 60 minutes to achieve the breakthrough and increase their lead.
In the final minute Ben Brown, who had earlier missed an open goal, struck a fierce volley which the substitute keeper turned over the bar. From the corner kick the ball was sent over to the far post where DL played the ball to Brown to jink past the defender. Stumbling after being fouled, Brown managed  somehow to regain his balance and fire a left foot shot into the top corner to give Bay a commanding lead to take into the 2nd leg next week.

Attendance: 187

Team: B Ashmore, Hanson, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Brown, Jenner, Parker, Lawrence, Baverstock, Lawson

Subs used: Eastwood  (M Jenner  75mins)  J Turner (Baverstock 84 mins)  M Turner (Lawson 84 mins)  

Subs not used:  Bartrum,  Walker

 

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Saturday 15th October 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 0-0 VCD Athletic

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The recipe for an outstanding match was on place at the Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field this afternoon when the Bay entertained VCD Athletic. The ingredients; two good footballing sides, a good sized crowd and a sunny afternoon but unfortunately the game was completely ruined by a referee who made some of the most bizzare decisions probably ever seen on this ground, frustrating both teams and supporters alike.
The game itself ended goal less due to the fact that both defences were in superb form
It was attack and counter attack right from the start; real end to end stuff. The first real chance fell to VCD when, following a cross from Jimmy Rogers, Aiden Purseglove headed wide from close range.
Two minutes later Byron Walker burst through the middle but fluffed his lines with only the keeper to beat. This effort was quickly followed by James Turner who fired over from 12yards.
Back came VCD with some trickery from the dangerous Rogers but his pass was wasted when James Duckworth blazed his shot, high and wide, over the bar.
On 21minutes, after a foul on Michael Jenner his free kick was eventually saved on the line by, a rather fortunate, Vickers Keeper, Jack Bradshaw.
In the 35thminute Bay had the ball in the net following a 30 yard free kick by Jenner that was drilled into the bottom corner of the net. The "goal" was disallowed because the officials claimed that Turner was in an offside position when he stepped over the ball, interfering with play as it left Bradshaw unsighted.
The Referee stopped the game at every opportunity, ruining the flow of the game. So much so that the respective captains, Toby Ashmore and Gary Cook requesting he allowed the two teams to play football and to refrain from needlessly stopping play for all the minor infringements; a request that was totally dismissed by the official.
Bay started the second half with more purpose and almost took the lead when following a foul on Walker on the far left; Jenner’s free kick was met by a bullet header from James Campbell that thundered onto the bar, ricocheting away to safety.
Chances then followed at both ends with Turner and Walker going close for Bay and Duckworth and Daryll Wheeler for VCD. On the hour new signing Ashley Baverstock replaced Turner, a surprising substitution as Turner was causing vicker’s defence all sorts of problems and preventing the full back from advancing too far forward. Then in the 71st minute Bay were again unlucky not to go in front when after a good run and squared ball by Walker found an  rushing Nathan Eastwood on the far post, but his effort crashed against the upright.
With 10 minutes to go, and after issuing 12 cautions, the Referee sent off the VCD full back, Ashley Brown, for a dubious foul on Eastwood.

Attendance: 211
Team: B Ashmore, Bryant, T Ashmore,  Maxted, Campbell, Marsden, Jenner, Eastwood, Walker,J Turner,  Lawson
Subs used:   Baverstock (J Turner 60 mins)   Parker (Marsden 70 mins)
Subs not used:  Hanson,  M Turner Nelder

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Saturday 8th October 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Lordswood 3-4 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay came away from Lordswood with a 4-3 win, thanks, mainly, to a brilliant hat trick from Darren Marsden, who saved Bay’s blushes.
The game itself was a very scrappy affair with Bay playing well below par.
For the first 20 minutes Bay played their usual passing game, forcing Lordswood to defend deep in their own half, with Byron Walker and Rhys Lawson both going close on several occasions.
In the 17th minute Walker was fouled on the edge of the box by the ex-Bay player, Wes Hammond. Up stepped Marsden to stroke the ball through the defensive wall into the bottom corner of the goal. Five minutes later Marsden almost doubled the lead, bringing out a fine save from Lordswood keeper, Matt Byott.
Then Bay’s play became sloppy, giving the ball away far too easily and wasting a host of chances up front with Lawson and Walker being the main protagonists, both failing on numerous occasions.  On 25 minutes, only a good save from Dan Eason prevented Richard Dimmock from scoring. Then on the half hour, debutant, Joby Thorogood, squared the match, after being given far too much room midway in Bay’s half, hit a fantastic volley  into the top corner giving Dan Eason no chance.
Steve Hanson replaced an injured Jamie Maxted  four minutes from the interval.

Bay started the second half in better form and Tom Bryant was unlucky to see his stinging shot graze the left hand post. Marsden was still proving difficult to stop and after he was upended 30 yards out, he again placed a fantastic free kick, this time over the wall, into the top left hand corner that left Byott flat-footed.
Straight from the restart, Lordswood surged up field winning a foul 40 yards out, Adam Ling found Dimmock free in the box and he made no mistake, turning and smashing the ball into net while Bay’s defence were playing statues.
Three minutes later following a mazy run from Marsden, he slid the ball wide to James Turner who in turn fired in a low cross, allowing Lawson to react first to stab home from close range.
Bay kept up the pressure and they thought they had a penalty when Turner was brought down a yard inside the area by Dimmock. The referee strangely awarded a free kick outside the area. Tom Bryant stepped up hitting a thunderous shot that was brilliantly saved by Byott.
Michael Turner replaced an out of sorts Dan Lawrence and was fouled on his first touch of the ball. From the free kick Toby Ashmore hit a 50 yard pass to Marsden standing in the box. He controlled the ball, turned and slotted it past a startled Byott to increase Bay’s lead.  Bay could have increased the lead further but Walker, when through on goal, blazed his shot high and wide..
Bay seemed to be going through the motions and were nearly undone when following a goal mouth scramble, Lordswood were awarded a penalty for shirt tugging, Fortunately  Dimmock’s effort struck the post and was cleared away to safety.
With two minutes left  Dimmock was on hand once again, when from outside the area he had all the time in the world to chip the ball over Eason to give them renewed hope. Unfortunately this was too late and Bay saw out the final seconds to record another victory and three points. This was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless.

Attendance: 145

Team: Eason, Maxted, Bryant, Ashmore, Campbell, Lawrence, Marsden, Eastwood, Walker J Turner,  Lawson
Subs used:  Hanson (Maxted 40 mins) M Turner  (Lawrence 67 mins)  K Williams (J Turner 88 mins) 
Subs not used:  P Williams,  Nelder

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Saturday 1st October 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 4-2 Holmesdale.

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Herne Bay extended their lead at the top of the Kent League to 4 points after defeating basement club Holmesdale 4-2 on a very hot Saturday afternoon. The afternoon started in a sombre mood, with a minute silence being held for two of the Bay stalwarts, Wally Thundow and Harry Moss who had
recently passed away.
Bay started very brightly, forcing three corners in the first 10 minutes. Byron Walker had a couple of chances to open the scoring but good defending from Matt Hammond and Mark Gallagher prevented this.  Continual pressure on the Daler’s defence brought results when Walker played  James Turner through, and he  coolly raced towards goal, placing the ball wide of keeper, Dan Teeley, into the bottom corner.
Teeley was kept very busy in the next quarter but showed he good form making fine saves from both Turner and Walker .  In the 27th minute Walker fired in a stinging shot forcing Teeley to produce
another good save, turning the ball around the upright. From the resulting corner, Dan Lawrence launched his kick to the far post where Toby Ashmore rose to power a header past Teeley.
Bay were completely dominating the Dalers and it came as no surprise when they increased their lead. After some neat footwork from Walker and a neat pass back to Michael Jenner the ball was sent into the box where Turner reacted the quickest to stab the ball over the line.  33minutes gone, 3-0 up and cruising but then Bay became complacent, allowing Holmesdale back in the game. They were nearly undone by Tunde Aderomu when he latched onto a weak back pass from Joe Nelder only for Dan Eason to save at his feet. The writing was on the wall and a minute later the same player burst past Ashmore and this time squeezed the ball past Eason to reduce Bay’s lead.  With Bay seemingly wilting in the sun, Gallagher raced through Bay’s defence but blazed his shot wide of the goal leaving Bay fortunate to go in at half time two goals to the good.
Steve Hanson replaced Nelder at the start of the second half. Bay started well, forcing three corners in in quick succession, but as the half progressed Bay’s forwards were guilty of squandering several gilt edged chances with Lawrence, Walker and Lawson all mis-firing in front of goal.
On 57 minutes, after a foul by Maxted, Holmesdale’s main threat, Aderomu, struck a 20 yard thunderbolt that produced a great save from Eason. Three minutes later Turner was replaced by Karl Williams, making his first start for the 1st team.
In the 70th minute Bay had increased their lead when Lawrence went on a solo run down the right
before delivering a low cross to the near post, where Rhys Lawson raced in behind the defence, to slot the ball home from close range. James Campbell returned to Bay’s defence after missing the last two games with a broken nose, replacing Tom Bryant.
Further opportunities to increase the lead were again squandered; Walker, Lawson and Maxted all guilty of wasting chances. Then with 5 minutes remaining, Lawson gave the ball away in midfield
allowing Dexter Bababola to feed dangerman, Aderomu, who made no mistake in volleying past Eason. It could have been worse for the Bay in the 88th minute when Aderomu again scampered through Bay’s defence only for Eason to save at his feet once again.
At the end Holmesdale left The Safety Net Stadium with a respectable scoreline; Bay must be more clinical in front of goal or they may suffer the agonies of last season’s "goal difference." 
On a positive note though, 25 points from a possible 27 points ain’t bad.

Attendance: 210

Team: Eason, Nelder, Bryant, Ashmore,  Maxted, Lawrence, Jenner, Eastwood, Walker
J Turner,  Lawson
Subs used:  Hanson (Nelder 46 mins)  K Williams (J Turner 60 mins)   Campbell (Bryant 70 mins)

Subs not used:  Marsden,  M Turner

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Tuesday 27th September 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Deal Town 0-4 Herne Bay

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Tuesday night Bay travelled to the Charles Sports Ground to play Deal Town and for the third time this season had a successful result, winning this time with a 4-0 scoreline.
Three goals in the first half effectively ended the game as a contest, in truth Bay outclassed Deal in all areas of the pitch and the twins and Byron Walker were causing all sorts of problems to the Deal defence every time they entered their half of the pitch.
As early as the 8th minute Walker cleverly robbed Ian Wallace to release James Turner through the middle and he made no mistake, riding the challenges of two Deal defenders and keeper Brett Mills, before slotting the ball home.
Three minutes later Deal hit back but a fantastic fingertip save by Dan Eason prevented Shane Suter from levelling the scores. This proved to be the only time Eason was called into any real action for the rest of the game.
Bay doubled their lead in the 18th minute. Dan Lawrence played a short corner to Steve Hanson who, under pressure, pushed the ball across the 18 yard area where Toby Ashmore raced in to smash the ball through a packed defence, with such ferocity that it almost broke the net.
Herne Bay continued to attack at will with Walker and Lawrence both going close before James Turner added his second goal in the 38th minute. Nathan Eastwood’s shot was only half cleared by Deal’s Luke Bigginton, Turner followed up and drilled the ball past Mills.
Turner was unlucky not to get a hat trick two minutes later when his looped header was cleared off the line by Wallace.

Lawrence and Turner were replaced by Luke Harvey and Rhys Lawson for the second half. Deal started the second half with far more venom and, with the game becoming rather fractious, the referee took the opportunity to issue a few cautions.
Deal enjoyed a brief period of control on the hour mark with Shane Suter and Sam Pain both going close but in the 67th minute Ryan Wilson was red carded for a fracas with Tom Bryant. Bryant received a caution. In the 70th minute Bay welcomed back Michael
Jenner, who replaced Tom Parker, but 7minutes later Bay were reduced to 10 men when Luke Harvey pulled up with a muscle injury.
Bay were so much in control that further goals were on the cards; then in the 82nd minute Ashmore played a defence splitting pass to put Jenner through and from 10yards he made no mistake stroking the ball past Mills to put Bay deservedly 4-0 up.
Herne Bay were totally dominant in this game, playing their best football so far this season and with Eastwood and Jenner back in the midfield Simon Halsey has a selection problem looming, but a nice problem to have.

Attendance: 101

Team: Eason, Hanson, Bryant, Ashmore,  Maxted, Lawrence, Parker, Eastwood, Walker
J Turner,  M Turner
Subs used:  Lawson (Lawrence 46 mins)  Harvey  (J Turner 55 mins)  Jenner (Parker 60 mins)
Subs not used:  K Williams, Nelder

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Saturday 24th September 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Cray Valley PM 0-3 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay put last weeks F.A. Cup exit firmly behind them by defeating League newcomers Cray Valley 3-0 to return to the top of the league. It was also a welcome return to the team for Nathan Eastwood after a long term injury, and what an influential part he played in this match.
Bay had to be patient, gradually taking control of the game with Cray playing the long ball game for the first half hour but Bay’s back four of Hanson, Ashmore, Bryant and Maxted were in good form and behind them Dan Eason pulled off a couple of fine saves when the Cray forwards did break through.
The first real chance fell to Dan Lawrence when following a good run down the right his stinging shot just grazed the post with keeper, Jack Carthy well beaten. Bay continued to dominate but their shooting was somewhat off target. Cray almost took the lead when former Bay player, Sam Prett, followed his good solo run with a fierce shot was well saved by Dan Eason.
Eastwood, Byron Walker and Darren Marsden all threatened but Cray’s last ditch tackles from
defenders Jamie Miller and Tom Martin kept the shots out.
Cray hit back with a speculative shot from Adrian Deane was brilliantly tipped over by Eason. This was his 2nd fine save and ironically despite having all the play Cray’s keeper, Carthy hadn’t been forced to make any!
Then on the half hour Walker surged through the defence only to be brought down by a double challenge from Steve Springett and Joe Mathews, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Walker picked himself up and smacked the penalty firmly past Carthy to give Bay the lead.
Bay continued to attack down both flanks and Walker should have doubled the lead just before the break, only to be thwarted by an excellent save from the keeper. His first of the half!
The second half was much the same, with Bay totally dominating the play.
Jamie Turner was twice put through but each time last ditch clearances by Ben Healy spoilt his chances. Ten minutes into the half Walker was put through, but Carthy did well in stopping his run. Walker regained control of the ball before squaring to Darren Marsden, who tried walking the ball into the goal before stabbing the ball over the line. Cray disputed the ball had crossed the line but the
assistant referee had no doubt and the goal stood. 
Within three minutes Bay put the game out of reach after James Turner’s looped header put Walker away and this time he made no mistake this time, stroking the ball past Carthy as he raced out to intercept. Michael Turner and Tom Parker replaced Lawrence and Eastwood followed by Peter Williams for James Turner.
Although there was no further score, Bay continued to force the game with Williams and Marsden both going close before the final whistle. A solid performance today; the side showed a good balance and all players working hard for each other, which is good to see.

Attendance: 83

Team: Eason, Hanson, Bryant, Ashmore,  Maxted, Lawrence, Marsden, Eastwood, Walker
J Turner,  Lawson
Subs used:  M Turner (Lawrence 65 mins)  Parker (Eastwood 68 mins) Williams (J Turner 75 mins)  
Subs not used:  Harvey, Nelder

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Saturday 17th September 2011
FA Cup 1st round qualifying
Herne Bay 2-3 Erith Town

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Herne Bay crashed out of the FA Cup, losing their 28 match unbeaten record, to fellow Kent Hurlimann Premier Division side, Erith Town 2-3. The first 20 minutes belonged to Bay exerting continual pressure on the Erith defence. Dan Lawrence had the first attempt on goal as he tried to lob Kevin Fewell but his chip just floated wide of the upright. Two minutes later Fewell produced a point blank save from a fierce Lawrence drive but he had no answer to Darren Marsden’s exquisite lob in the 14th minute, which put Bay into an early lead.
Marsden went close 8 minutes later when his free kick curled wide of the target.
It was all Bay up until the half hour mark but then Erith came into the game. It started with a free kick from outside the area which sailed high over the bar but this gave the visitors the impetus to force Bay back deep in their own half. They kept this pressure on Bay right up to the half time whistle but fortunately hadn’t forced Dan Eason into making a save.
As with the first period Bay started the second strongly. Rhys Lawson put Lawrence away on the right and as he advanced towards the 18 yard area he slid the ball back to Lawson who hit a curling, dipping shot just wide of the Erith goal. Following this the game changed completely.
Michael Phillips, Chris Walker and Liam Burgess took charge of the midfield as Erith began to show Bay they too could pass the ball around and play good football. In fact the football played put Bay to shame.
Bay’s play became ragged, aimlessly clearing the ball, and giving possession back to the visitors with monotonous regularity . Erith were in total control, making Bay look very ordinary. This pressure told in the 60th minute.  Goma Lambu ghosted past Joe Nelder and rifled in a low shot which Eason could only parry. Walker was first to the ball to smash home from close range.   Bay hit back with a quick counter attack led by Marsden who put Lawrence through but Fewell saved well.
Erith deservedly went into the lead in the 75th minute. Following a superb through ball from Burgess, Walker raced clear and hammered past Eason from 8 yards. Bay dug deep and upped the pressure and it all looked good when in the 82nd minute following a corner kick to the far post, Tom Bryant headed the ball back into the box where Neil Perkins drilled the ball home to give Bay renewed hope.
Marsden followed this with yet another free kick that went agonisingly close but it was the visitors who struck the winning goal with 5 minutes left to play. Walker jinked his way through a rather static Bay midfield into the area where he was clumsily tripped by Tom Parker leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the penalty spot. Up stepped Burgess to slot the ball wide of Eason to give Erith a well deserved victory, £3,000 better off and a place in Monday’s draw.
What a good referee today. It is a pity we do not have this quality in our own league, he ran the game brilliantly, always up with the play and didn’t put a foot wrong. Well done Mr Shanahan.

Attendance: 222
Team: Eason, Nelder, Bryant, Campbell, Maxted, Sherman, Lawrence, Marsden, Walker, Perkins, Lawson.
Subs used:  Parker (Sherman 66 mins)  M Turner  (Lawrence 83 mins)
Subs not used:  T Ashmore, B Ashmore, Hanson, J Turner Williams

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Wednesday 14th September 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Woodstock Sports 1-2 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay returned to the top of the Kent League, defeating Ben Taylor’s Woodstock Sports, 2-1 at the W.E.M.Stadium .
The game itself was littered with needless fouls which spoilt the game. A goal apiece from Darren Marsden and Byron Walker saw Bay through, but a cracking goal from Tony Clarke two minutes from time led to nervous last few minutes.
The first 15 minutes was a frantic affair with both teams attacking and counter attacking at speed. The first chance fell to Woodstock in the third minute when Lyndon Rowland got behind Joe Nelder before squaring to Lewis Taylor, but his low shot brought out a good save from Dan Eason.
Within three minutes it was Bay’s turn to go close when James Campbell headed over the bar free from a Danny Lawrence free kick.
The game ebbed and flowed with Lewis Taylor linking well with Rowland for Woodstock and Lawrence, Marsden and Walker doing the same for the Bay.
Bay were the more dominant throughout the half, with chances falling to Walker and Neil Perkins but last ditch defending by John Emmerson and Ben Taylor kept Bay out.
On 40 minutes, an injury to Woodstock’s central defender, Lee Hockey, saw the introduction of Tony Clarke. Then with only three minutes of the half left Marsden forced a corner on the left, Lawrence floated over a deep cross to the far post that was met by Campbell on the who headed back across the goal where Walker, nodded a header past a static Nick Shaw in the Woodstock goal.
The second half started with Woodstock the far more aggressive side were rather fortunate  in that the Referee didn’t use his authority and issue cautions. This didn’t deter Bay as they started to get control again. In a 10 minute spell after the restart both Marsden and Jamie Maxted nearly increased Bay’s lead.
On 55minutes Rhys Lawson replaced Michael Turner, and this had the impact Bay needed. With-in minutes of his introduction, a quick one two between Lawson and Maxted,
resulted in a speculative lob that had Shaw back peddling to tip the ball over the bar.
Lawson then went a solo run in the 61st minute, turning Emmerson, on the left flank, inside out before pulling the ball back to Marsden who brilliantly placed his shot wide of Shaw inside the far post to double Bay’s advantage.
Walker was replaced by James Turner, leaving the field with warm applause from the Bay fans, after the persistent fouls he received during the whole 65 minutes he was on the field. This was followed by Lawrence being replaced by Ben Brown for the last quarter.
Bay continued to push forward with Marsden and Lawson both seeing their efforts snuffed out. Woodstock however produced their best football in the last 15 minutes; switching the play at every opportunity to substitute Joe Sands, who produced a great turn of speed to give Bay’s defenders a torrid time.
With two minutes left on the clock this pressure told. Woodstock forced a corner. Louis Valencia cross was cleared away but Clarke drilled in a fantastic shot which flew past Eason, hitting the underside of the bar before nestling in the back of the net. This led to a nervous last few minutes but Bay held out to secure  all three points to move back to the top of the table. A scrappy game spoilt by a poor refereeing display.
Att: 148
Team: Eason, Nelder, Bryant, Maxted, Campbell, Sherman, Lawrence, Marsden, Walker, Perkins, M.Turner. 
Subs uses: Lawson (Turner 65 mins) Brown (Lawrence 76 mins) J.Turner (Walker 65 mins).

Subs not used: Hansen, Ashmore

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Saturday 10th September 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 5-0 Greenwich Borough

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Herne Bay completely overwhelmed this young Greenwich Borough side. Three goals in the first half-an-hour was the catalyst to Borough’s defeat.
The writing was on the wall as early as the 6th minute when Dan Lawrence forced a corner resulting in a fine double save from Neil Perkins and Darren Marsden by Keeper, Adkin in the Greenwich goal.
Bay opened the scoring in the 15th minute: Jamie Maxted sent a fabulous through ball to Michael Turner, who in turn, laid the ball off to Darren Marsden. Marsden jinked around the keeper and placed the ball in the bottom corner from an acute angle.
A minute later Marsden almost doubled the lead, but Adkin denied him with a good save.
Further chances fell to Tom Bryant and Perkins but both shot wide of goal.
On 23 minutes James Turner went on a solo run finishing off with a shot that rebounded off the keeper’s legs for a corner. Lawrence sent over the perfect ball for Maxted, out-jumping everyone in the box, to power his header into the back of the net. Greenwich tried to bounce back with Sheriff Babatunde and Mattieu Ramsamy combining well on the left but Steve Hanson and James Campbell were always in total command of Bay’s defence .
The third goal was an absolute cracker; James Turner took the ball into the 18 yard area, played a short pass to Lawrence who drove the ball out to the far post where Michael Turner raced in to strike a stunning shot into the bottom corner. Perkins should have increased the lead, five minutes later, after a flowing movement between Marsden and Lawrence, but he skied his shot from 6yards.
On 36 minutes Dan Eason was brought into action for the first time in the match. His clearing kick went straight to Rob Depeazer, leaving him free to advance on goal. But Eason redeemed himself when he brilliantly saved the forward’s blistering shot.
The second half was a rather dour affair and a complete contrast to the first. Instead of passing the ball, players tried to go on solo runs but were easily dispossessed by the Greenwich defenders.
Three substitutions saw the introduction of Byron Walker, Ben Brown and Rhys Lawson for the Turner twins and Lawrence. With fresh legs, Bay pushed Greenwich back even deeper into their own half with Walker and Marsden creating havoc. It was this combination in the 79th minute which saw Marsden free inside the box. Instead of shooting he tried to round the keeper and when he did get his shot away the Greenwich defenders had got back to block the shot. Fortunately the ball came back to Marsden and he slid the ball to his left, allowing Brown to slide the ball home for the fourth goal. Greenwich had their best chance of the match in the 86th minute when Ramsey forced a corner, Babatunde sent over a perfect ball but Spencer headed over from close range. Directly from the resulting goal kick Walker weaved his way through mid-field before putting Lawson though to make it a nap hand when he coolly lobbed the keeper as he came off his line to close down the threat.
Full credit to the Greenwich side, who never stopped trying to play a passing game, but on the day they were no match for this Herne Bay team.
Attendance: 184
Team: Eason, Hanson, Bryant, Campbell, Maxted, Sherman, Lawrence, Marsden, Perkins, M Turner, J Turner.
Subs used:  Walker (J Turner 56 mins)  Lawson (M Turner 65 mins)  Brown (Lawrence 65 mins)

Subs not used:  Prentice, Nelder

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Saturday 3rd September 2011
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Herne Bay 3-0 Deal Town

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Report by Ray Kelly

Herne Bay duly progressed into the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, defeating a rather lack lustre Deal Town by a 3-0 margin, at the Safety Net Stadium Winch’s Field.
Bay seemed to out-play Deal in almost every department, limiting them to the occasional counter attack as the game progressed.
The one black spot in this victory was the loss of Jim Corbett with a nasty looking ankle injury just on half time.
Within 2 minutes of the kick off Danny Lawrence and Deal Town’s, Luke Biggington, clashed heads while both going for the ball, thankfully both players got up and played on after treatment.
Bay soon took control of the game, forcing four corners in the first 15minutes. Darren Marsden and Lawrence linked up well on the right, as did the Turner twins on the left. James Sherman was a giant in mid-field, always breaking up Deal’s attacks.
On 17 minutes Deal had the first real chance of the match when James Marriott burst through Bay’s defence, only for Dan Eason to pull off a brilliant save to prevent them taking the lead.
3 minutes later Marsden went on a solo run before squaring the ball to James Turner, who in turn fired in a cracker that was deflected off  Biggington for a corner.
Bay had threatened to open the scoring throughout the first half hour and this they did in the 32 minute when James Campbell power headed a Lawrence corner past keeper, Rick Sparkes.  For the rest of the half Bay surged forwards at every opportunity with Marsden, Lawrence and both Turner boys all going close.
Just before the half time whistle Bay lost Corbett who fell awkwardly and left the field with an ankle injury.  Neil Perkins came on as his replacement. The second half started in much the same fashion with Bay driving Deal back deep in their own half.
On 50 minutes Michael Turner made a jinking run down the right, cut inside, and skying his shot well over the bar. Marsden followed this with a rasping shot, which Sparkes comfortably saved .
A minute later Deal counter attacked with Sam Frost flying down the left flank before crossing to Marriott whose shot was tipped over the bar by Eason.  Eason was again called into action when he brilliantly tipped over a shot from Aaron Robinson.
Back came Bay with both Lawrence and Marsden going close.
Stacey Davis replaced Michael Turner. For the next 10 minutes the Bay piled on the pressure  and they doubled their lead when Lawrence, after receiving a great ball from Neil Perkins, on the edge of the box, drove a volley fiercely past Sparkes.
Jamie Maxted replaced Tom Bryant. Bay hadn’t finished scoring yet and it was Marsden who picked up a loose ball in mid-field and ran through the Deal defence, that seemed to part for him, before slamming in past Sparkes, in the 80th minute.
For the final 10 minutes Sherman, Maxted and Perkins all should have scored, Maxted being the most unlucky, seeing his shot hit the Bar.
Referee, Karl May, enjoyed a good game and brought the game to an end after playing some 10 minutes overtime.

Attendance: 196
Team: Eason, Bryant, Hanson, Campbell, Ashmore, Sherman, Lawrence, Marsden, Corbett, M Turner,  J Turner
Subs used: Perkins (Corbett 45 mins) Davis (M Turner 62 mins)  Maxted (Bryant 71 mins)
Subs not used: Brown, Lawson, B Ashmore, Parker,

 

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Monday 29th August 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 2-1 Canterbury City

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Herne Bay top the Kent Premier League after defeating Canterbury City 2-1 in front of a large Bank holiday crowd at the Safety Net Stadium. This was a full local Derby with both teams fighting for supremacy.
The game got off to an explosive start, within 2 minutes Bay’s Toby Ashmore handled in the area and Referee Rob Baker had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Renford Tenyue stepped up to take the penalty but blasted high over the bar. Straight from the resulting goal kick, Eason found Dan Lawrence who surged down the right wing before playing in James Turner, who wriggled past Chris Elliot, to slot the ball past David Woodwood to put Bay in the lead.
The game then became end to end stuff with Tenyue’s pace down the right giving  Bay’s defence plenty to think about. Lawrence and Byron Walker’s pace was having the similar affect on City’s defence. In the 8th minute, Lawrence made a great run down the flank, cut in, and shot only to see Elliot clear of the line.
Back came City 4 minutes later, forcing a corner. Murray played a short ball to Sean Armstrong but his cross was headed over by Buster Smissen.
The game then started to get a bit fractious and it wasn’t too long before the caution was issued.  For City Scott Punton, Joe Kennett and Jake Gess all went into his book for ‘niggly’ fouls and for Bay, Steve Hanson.
The game then settled down and on the half hour Tenyue once again out-paced Tom Bryant, cut inside but again hit his shot high over the bar. Just before half time both Lawrence and Walker went close to increasing the lead, but their efforts failed to trouble Woodford.
Within a minute of the restart City’s Elliot was booked for a foul on Lawrence dragging him down in full flow. Bay were applying all the pressure without really troubling the City defence. Darren Marsden put Walker through but his shot was smothered by Woodwood.
Then in the 53rd minute City drew level with a well worked goal. Tenyue, with his tremendous turn of speed, flew down the right wing and crossed a low ball to the feet of Smissen, who stroked the ball past Eason at the near post.  On the hour mark Tenyue once again showed Bay’s defence a clean pair of heels and only a brilliant save from Eason prevented City going ahead.
In the 65th minute Rhys Lawson and Jimmy Corbett replaced  the Turner twins. With fresh legs Bay started to over-power City’s midfield. Lawrence was unlucky to see his shot graze the crossbar.
in the 71st minute Bryant was booked for a high tackle on Smissen. Then a minute later came a stunning goal for Bay. Following a free kick some 40yards out, Marsden fired in a high cross which Walker out jumped the City defence to head with blistering venom past Woodwood.
Back came the City searching for the equaliser and their chance came in the 79th minute when Lawrence pushed Jake Marsh in the box.  Sean Armstrong took the penalty himself but Eason was equal to the task saving brilliantly, much to the relief of all Bay’s players, management and supporters alike.
Marsden was replaced by Neil Perkins in the 82 minute.
Just before the final whistle referee, Rob Baker, found room in his book for City’s Smissen and the sent off Gess for stupidly kicking the ball away.
Bay had to battle for all three points today but although still not playing the football we are used to seeing are still getting the points. City on the other hand can consider themselves unlucky, but if you don’t take the gift chances offered you will always live to regret it. Good performances from Joe Kennett and Redford Tenyue. The latter will prove to be a big handful for almost every Kent League side if he continues to play like this.

Team:  Eason, Hanson, Bryant, Campbell, Ashmore,, Lawrence, Marsden, Walker, Corbett, Brown.
Subs used: Perkins ( J Turner 65 mins) Lawson (M Turner 65 mins) Corbett (Marsden 85 mins)
Not Used: Maxted, Parker


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Saturday 27th August 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Erith Town 2-2 Herne Bay

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The old Cliché 'a game of two halves' was certainly borne out at Erith on Saturday, with Bay playing some great football in the first half and deservedly leading 2-0 at half time, thanks to a goal apiece for Byron Walker and Darren Marsden. The second half belonged to the Dockers who upped the tempo and took the game away from Bay to level the score with goals from Alex Tiesse and a Liam Burgess penalty.
For the first 10 minutes Bay opened up Erith’s defence with some superb football down both flanks, winning two corners in the process, but it was bizarre goal that gave Bay the lead. In the 11th minute, Walker got round the defender and fired in a shot which was partially blocked by Nick Davis, with the ball ricocheting high in the air. Keeper, Kevin Fewell came to collect, but allowed the ball to bounce. The ball span viciously, straight over the keeper’s head into the empty net.  The Dockers hit back, with Davis shaving the   crossbar with a 30 yard free kick and Billy Shinners having his close range effort cleared off the line by Toby Ashmore.
Although Bay were playing their best football of the season so far, Erith were always dangerous on the break with Burgess and Tiesse always in the thick of it.
Herne Bay doubled their lead in the 35th minute when following a foul on Walker 30yards out; Dan Lawrence played a short ball to Marsden who placed an exquisite shot into the top corner, leaving Fewell flat footed on his line.
Further chances fell to Luke Harvey, who blazed over from the edge of the box and James Campbell who headed wide from a Lawrence corner before the referee blew to end the half.
The second half started with a rejuvenated Dockers team, out playing Bay causing Bay to panic and losing possession far too easily. Ten minutes into the half, Tom Bryant bringing  the ball out of defence was dispossessed on the half way line by Tiesse, who in turn played in Shinners who unleashed a thunderous shot that Dan Eason could only parry out allowing Tiesse to follow up to slam the ball past a helpless Eason.
Erith were now powering forward searching for the equaliser and only Steve Hanson goal line clearance prevented this 5 minutes later.
Bay fought back, forcing a number of corners. From one of these Ashmore’s shot was deflected over the bar by defender Ben Payne.
Stacey Davis replaced Harvey in the 62nd minute in an effort to relieve the pressure on Bay’s defence and give the Dockers defence something different to think about.
Erith kept up the pace, forcing two successive corners but on both occasions Davis headed over. Tiesse’s speed was always a constant threat and when he broke through a rather static Bay defence, Eason came to Bay’s rescue with a tremendous block save.
All through the second half the referee, seemed to be handing out yellow cards for any sort of tackle; four to the Dockers and four to the Bay in a game that was played in a fair but competitive manner. Then with 10 minutes on the watch, he excelled himself awarding a penalty against Ashmore, or Bryant for an offence that puzzled everyone. Up stepped Burgess to fire home the Erith equaliser, which in all fairness their 2nd half display deserved.
Bay pushed forward looking for the winner and Erith were indebted to Lee Craig who cleared Lawrence’s shot off the line. The final act of the game came when Lawrence was brought down by a high tackle from Erith substitute, Ricky Freeman who was promptly red carded.
Bay may have dropped two points here but I do not think many teams this season will come away with the points if Erith continue to play the way they did in the second half.
Att: 83
Team; Eason, Hanson, Bryant, Ashmore, Campbell, Perkins, Lawrence, Marsden, Harvey, Walker,
M Turner.
Subs used, Davis (Harvey 65 mins) Brown (Lawrence 89 mins)
Not Used: Maxted, Bartrum, Sherman

Man of the match Dan Eason

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Saturday 20th August 2011
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Pagham 1-2 Herne Bay

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Herne Bay avoided a potential banana skin by winning 2-1 at Pagham in deepest Sussex. After going behind in the first half Bay hit back with two goals in the second half courtesy of a Byron Walker penalty and a Tom Bryant header. Seldom will Bay meet a taller side with Pagham having seven  players well over 6 feet tall.
The first 10 minutes were quite even with both teams sounding each other out but the first chance of the game fell to Dan Lawrence who fed a good ball through to Walker but his shot went woefully wide of the target. A minute later, after a foul on Walker, Toby Ashmore fired in from 30yds. and Pagham’s 16 year old goalkeeper James Binfield fumbled the shot only to see Neil Perkins head wide.
The hosts started to get the upper hand testing both Ollie Bartrum and Bryant down the flanks. Using the perfect counter attacking tactics, Pagham played the wide ball very well, giving wingers, James Temple and Darren Pearce acres of space down Bay flanks.
It came as no surprise in the 13th minute Temple found space down the left and his cross caused all sorts of problems to Bay’s defence. As Bay failed to clear the ball fell to an unmarked Phil Turner who coolly tapped the ball in.
Bay hit straight back, Darren Marsden went on a solo run but his final effort was well saved by Binfield, then after good work down the right Lawrence forced a corner. This was followed by 3 more successive corners but Bay just could not break down the packed Pagham defence.
Pagham’s tactics of packing the defence with eight players and hitting the long ball down the flanks was working very well and frustrated Bay for the complete 45 minutes of the first half. Bay had all the play but just couldn’t find a way through. Ben Brown and Marsden both went close; Marsden’s shot grazed the Pagham crossbar .
The 6’ 5” Turner was giving Bay’ defenders a torrid time and only timely interventions from Ashmore and James Campbell stopped Pagham increasing their lead. Just before the break, Perkins lashed in a shot from 18yards but the alert Binfield dealt with it with aplomb and Bay went in at half time one nil down and to face the hairdryer treatment from manager, Simon Halsey.
This obviously worked  as Bay were much, much better in the second half. Straight from the restart Walker went on a solo run but blazed his shot over the bar. Pagham came back with good efforts from Pearce, both well saved by Dan Eason. Bay then put Pagham’s defence under severe pressure, but in took 10 minutes of constant pressure before Bay equalised. Jimmy Corbett was held down in the box and the Referee pointed to the spot, much to the disgust of the Pagham’s players and management. To be fair, it did look as if it was an accidental coming together of the players and a penalty was a bit harsh, Although in our last two games this type of decision had gone against Bay, and Toby in particular. Up stepped Walker to place the ball wide of Binfield 1-1.
This seemed to change the game and Bay were now fully focussed on getting the winner. They didn’t have to wait long. Following a foul on Walker, Ashmore’s free kick from 40yards out was met by Bryant, whose looping header over Binfield, who was in ‘no-mans land’ after coming for the cross, rolled into the empty net.
Steve Hanson replaced the struggling Olie Bartrum and this immediately gave that extra bite in the defence. Both Hanson and Eason excelled themselves as Pagham pressed forward in search of an equalizer, making goal-line clearances. Further substitutions were made with Michael Turner replacing Brown and Stacy Davis replacing Corbett. Turner was a revelation; his pace, ball control and tigerish determination caused Pagham’s full back no end of problems. Davis’ pace also gave the defenders a torrid time and only a rugby style tackle prevented him from breaking away. Then
In the last minute of play Davis burst through and went ‘one on one’ with Binfield. He flicked the ball past the keeper but the ball shaved the wrong side of the upright. Overall Bay deserved the win and now look forward to playing Deal Town at home in the next round on 3rd September.
Attendance: 75

Team:  Eason, Bartrum, Bryant, Campbell, Ashmore, Perkins, Lawrence, Marsden, Walker, Corbett, Brown.
Subs used: Hanson (Bartrum 60 min). M Turner (Brown 70 mins) Davis (Corbett 80 mins)
Not Used: Maxted, J Turner, Sherman, Lawson

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Wednesday 17th August 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Herne Bay 2-1 Deal Town

no pictures for this game

Herne Bay had to battle hard to get all three points against a determined Deal Town side.
Reduced to 10 men for the last 20 minutes ,following Ollie Bartrum’s dismissal  for an ill timed tackle, and a superb goalkeeping display by Deal’s young keeper, Chris Waymark, Bay were made to win the hard way.
For the first 15 minutes it was nip and tuck; Deal forced the first corner, but Bay hit back when a  Ben Brown cross was headed across the face of the goal by Toby Ashmore but Byron Walker narrowly failed to get a connection.
Bay started to put Deal’s defence under real pressure with Dan Lawrence, Darren Marsden and Brown all going close. Deal were being limited to the occasional counter attack with Tom Tsangarides looking their most dangerous forward.
On 29 minutes, following a foul on the half way line, Toby Ashmore launched a free kick into the area, Neil Perkins out jumped both Adam Govey and Leon Ingram to loop a header over Waymark, who was standing well off his goal-line, to give pay a deserved lead.
Deal now started to push forward in search of an equaliser and only a good save from Brad Ashmore prevented Tsangarides doing just that in the 32nd minute. Lawrence was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the 38 minute when his blistering shot was brilliantly saved by Waymark.  Deal hit straight back, Aaron Robinson putting Tsangarides through but this time it was  Brad Ashmore pulling off a great stop.
Just before the break, after some good skill from Walker he found Marsden who fired in a rasping shot, but again Waymark excelled himself saving down low to his left. HT 1-0.
Deal started the second half a changed side, quicker to the ball and forcing Bay to defend deep in their own half. Then on 50 minutes Toby Ashmore was adjudged to have fouled Robinson. Referee, Stephen Brown, pointed to the spot. Toby received a caution for the second match running, for fouling in the area. Up stepped Danny Smith to hammer home the equaliser.1-1
In the 61st minute Walker was fouled on the edge of the box, Marsden’s resulting free kick was brilliantly saved by Waymark but he could only parry it back out to Walker, whose shot shaved the wrong side of the upright. Two minutes later Marsden thundered in a shot from 25yards which crashed against the bar with the keeper rooted to the spot.
James Turner replaced Rhys Lawson to give some fresh legs up front.
In the 70th minute Marsden again tried his luck from distance and once again Waymark pulled of a great save, palming the ball away for a corner.  Brown’s short corner to Turner worked well with him firing in a shot that Waymark could only turn into the path of Walker who made no mistake this time slamming the ball into the net to restore Bay’s lead.
The game then became littered with stoppages as Deal pressed for the equaliser. Then came Bartrum’s dismissal for his tackle on Andy Hadden.
Bay seem to be getting used to playing with 10 men but were being pushed deeper and deeper in their own half. Michael Turner came on for Ben Brown in an attempt to relieve the pressure.
A series of good saves from Brad Ashmore prevented Deal from getting the equaliser in a frantic last 10 minutes kept the score at 2-1 to secure the 3 points for Bay.
Rightly or wrongly, Bay have the mantle of being title favourites and this seems to inspire visiting teams to raise their game so we must expect more of the same in every fixture this season. Winning ugly is not so bad and if that is what it takes, so far so good.

Team; B Ashmore, Bartrum, Bryant, T.Ashmore, Hanson, Perkins, Lawrence, Marsden Lawson, Walker, Brown.
Subs used:  (J)Turner, (M)Turner, Sherman.
Not Used: Maxted, King

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Saturday 13th August 2011
Kent League Premier Division
Beckenham Town 2-4 Herne Bay

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Report by Ray Kelly

Although the final score looks like a comfortable victory, in truth, this was an under par performance and only a
superb hat trick from Darren Marsden and poor finishing from  Beckenham ensured Bay started the new season with all three points.
Full credit to Beckenham, because straight from the kick off they attacked in numbers, forcing Bay to defend for the first 35 minutes. Bay’s response was to rely on breakaway attacks.
Bay’s  first chance fell to Marsden in the 5th minute, forcing Beckenham keeper, Nick Blue, to turn his shot around the upright. From the resulting corner James Campbell headed inches over.
Beckenham hit straight back with Carl Gibbs going close with a long range effort that shaved Dan Eason’s left hand post. 5 minutes later, the same player burst through a rather static Bay defence only to blast wide, as did Nick Curran 5 minutes later.
From a quick counter attack, Dan Lawrence should have made more of his effort but instead of shooting he squared the ball to Byron Walker, who was adjudged to be offside.
Jimmy Corbett was replaced by Rhys Lawson suffering a calf injury in the 23 minute.
Two minutes later, a last ditch tackle from James Campbell prevented the home side from taking the lead. On the half hour  Nick Blue produced a fine save to keep out Toby Ashmore’s free kick from 25 yards which was heading for the top corner. Minutes later Blue again saved, turning Neil Perkin’s effort around the post. From the corner kick, Ollie Bartrum found Marsden free  on the edge of the box, who made no mistake in placing the ball wide of Blue. 1-0
Beckenham then piled forward looking for an equaliser with Alfie Nunn and Ibrahim Fusini both going close for the Town. In the 44th minute Marsden doubled the score-line. This goal was a real beauty; Marso takes possession 35 yards out ghosts past two defenders to the edge of the box, as he is closed down by four more defenders he cheekily floats the ball wide of Blue to the delight of the travelling fans. 2-0 Half time and on the balance of play Beckenham could rightly feel aggrieved.
At the start of the 2nd period James Campbell was replaced by Jim Sherman owing to an ankle injury.
Beckenham started the second half in the same manner as the first, forcing Bay to defend in depth. Then, in the 51st minute, Toby Ashmore was adjudged to have fouled Gibbs in the area. Up stepped Jake Hobbs to send Eason the wrong way. 2-1.
This gave Beckenham the boost they needed. Raising their game, closing Bay down at every opportunity. With the tackling getting a bit spiteful, Walker, Tom Bryant and Town’s Curran found their way into the referee’s book.
On the hour the lead was increased. After some good footwork, Walker fired a low cross into the box, finding Lawson at the back post to tap the ball home. Despite furious protests by the Beckenham claiming Lawson was offside, the goal stood.
Then a bizzare goal brought Beckenham back into the game. The reliable Eason stepped backwards taking the ball over the line, when landing awkwardly, following a looping header from Towns Danny Lawson. 3-2. This goal inspired the home side who surged forward and only glaring misses by Joe Bacon and Hobbs kept Bay in front.
In the 80th minute Ben Brown was replaced by James Turner, who immediately forced Blue into a fine diving save from his fierce volley hit on the turn. Two Red Cards followed, Walker for a second  yellow and the same for Towns’  Harry Draper.
In the final minute Marsden completed his hat trick. The finish was a sheer delight.  Under pressure from the defender and the keeper, he foot juggled the ball three times before lobbing the ball over both into the empty goal. 4-2
Three points and four goals but on reflection Beckenham deserved more. If only they had their shooting boots on they would, and should, have at least shared the points, if not taken all three! On this performance they will cause problems to many teams this season.

Team; Eason,  Bartrum, Bryant, Campbell, T Ashmore,, Perkins,  Lawrence, Marsden, Walker,
Corbett, Brown
Subs used: Lawson (Corbett 23mins) Sherman (Campbell 46 mins) J Turner (Brown 80 mins)
Not used: King,  B Ashmore

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Saturday 6th August 2011
Kent League Challenge Shield
Hythe Town 2-2 Herne Bay
Bay win 4-3 on penalties
 

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Report by Ray Kelly

Herne Bay deserved to retain the Kent Challenge Shield thanks to a dogged second half performance. the match ended 2-2 and Bay’s heroes were many, including James Campbell, Neil Perkins, Jimmy Corbett and Dan Lawrence, for putting in great shifts against a tough Hythe Town side; but in the end Dan Eason was the saviour, pulling off three great penalty saves in the penalty shoot - out.
For the first 20 minutes both teams attacked and counter attacked, it was end to end stuff.
Bay forced the early pressure, creating the first chance of the match following a twice taken corner, Campbell headed powerfully straight at Keiron Mann after 4 minutes. Hythe came straight back; Ronnie Dolan ran at Bay’s defence but his resulting shot was well held by Eason.
On 17 minutes some great work from Lawrence, jinking his way past the left back before squaring to Byron Walker who in turn played in Corbett but a good save from Kieron Mann prevented Bay from taking the lead. On the other flank, Ben Brown and Tom Bryant were giving right back, Aaron Lacy, a torrid time.
The deadlock was broken in the 26th minute when, following a free kick 20yards out, former Norton Sports player, Ryan Rook, rifled a shot into a packed Bay defence. Pat Kingwell, with the slightest of touches, deflected the ball across Eason into the net to give Hythe the lead.
Back came the Bay in the 33rd minute with Darren Marsden and Corbett linking well before finding Tom Bryant who rifled a low shot that grazed the post.
Bryant almost equalised 2 minutes later when his delicate lob over Mann went agonisingly wide.
Throughout the first half Hythe continually tested  Bay’s defence with Ryan Rook and Nick Barnes providing the spearhead for Hythe but the defence held up well with Campbell and Perkins in superb form. H/T 1-0 to Hythe.

Herne Bay started the second half well with both Campbell and Walker going close and it came as no surprise that the Bay drew level in the 51st minute. Perkins put Bryant free down the left. His cross found Lawrence, who tricked his way past two defenders and Mann, before squaring to Corbett who slammed the ball home from close range. 1-1
The Bay were forced to defend deep and relied on the counter attacks through Lawrence and Corbett. In the 60th minute Bay manager, Simon Halsey, brought on Stacey Davis for Corbett and Simon King for Jim Sherman.
Within minutes of coming on Davis put the Bay ahead. Marsden slid a pass inside the defender to allow Davis to get in behind Hythe’s defence before drilling the ball past Mann inside the near post. 2-1.
Hythe came straight back, John Walker released Simon Austin down the right and his cross was hit on the volley by Ronnie Dolan. The shot screamed past Eason but, fortunately for Bay, Perkins did superbly to smash the ball off the line.
Rhys Lawson and Joe Nelder replaced Ben Brown and Ollie Bartrum.
Hythe were now forcing the pace to get back on terms and in the 76th minute following a powerful free kick from Dolan straight to Austin, he drove  the ball past Eason. 2-2.
Bay were unlucky not to win in normal time when after a great run by Davis, he laid the ball back to Lawrence who saw his shot graze the post yet again. No further score so the penalty shoot-out came into play.
Eason was the hero saving three and with Walker, King, Nelder, Campbell all scoring before Bryant stepped up to stroke home the winning penalty to give Bay the victory 5-4.

Team; Eason,  Bartrum,  Bryant,  Perkins,  Campbell,  Sherman,  Lawrence, Marsden Walker,  Corbett, Brown
subs. Davis, J Turner, Lawson, Nelder, King.

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Saturday 30th July 2011
Bruce Smith Shield
Herne Bay 2-0 Whitstable Town

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Report by Ray Kelly

Herne Bay regained The Bruce Smith Cup with a solid 2-0 win over the Oystermen, with a goal in each half from Darren Marsden and Byron Walker.
It must be said that Whitstable’s first half performance was poor in the extreme, lacking cohesion, direction and showing little or no pride; which was a shame for the decent crowd who were expecting the usual full on Derby. This was probably affected by the lack of local players in the visitor’s side!
For the first 10 minutes the Bay swarmed all over Whitstable’s defence and in fact had the ball in the net in the 5th minute but Byron Walker’s effort was ruled offside by referee Daniel Bonneywell.  Then after only 10 minutes play, James Peacock fouled Jimmy Corbett 25 yards out. A superb free kick from Darren Marsden, spotting the wall had failed to cover the right hand side of the goal, placed the ball wide of keeper, Steve Keenan, giving him no chance. 1-0.
Throughout the half Herne Bay were in total control of the game with Jac Scott and Dan Lawrence causing havoc down both flanks and Marsden and Walker doing the same through the middle. The Oystermen’s play became rugged, to say the least, with
Peacock and Dan Wisker both incurring the wrath of the referee on more than one occasion. In the 35th minute, the official stopped play to ask the Whitstable manager, Peter Nott, to withdraw Peacock after a further clash with Corbett.  James Morrish came on as his replacement.
Walker had a great chance in the 39th minute but Keenan saved well. Half time 1-0.
Bay manager, Simon Halsey, replaced Corbett with Peter Williams at the start of the second half. Whitstable started much better in this half with Marvin Okundalaiye and James Simmons both going close. The best chance fell to Simmons but he blasted his shot high over the target from 10yards. Whitstable were enjoying their best period of the game and only the assistant referee’s flag and a great save from Dan Eason prevented the equaliser.
Reserve player, Stacy Davis, replaced Scott in the 65minute. Darren Marsden was unlucky to see his shot well saved by the Whitstable keeper six minutes later. Bay were content to allow Whitstable to press forward and hit them with swift breakaway counter-attacks. In the 80th minute a long Jim Sherman throw from found Tom Bryant on the edge of the box. Despite being surrounded by defenders Bryant squared the ball across to Walker. With both time and space, he smashed the ball into the top corner of the net from 18 yards to double Bay’s lead. Bay replaced Marsden with Sam Baker to play out the last 10 minutes.
At the final whistle the Oystermen looked a dejected side but Bay on the other hand looked well chuffed winning the bragging rights for another year.

Team: Eason, Bartrum, Bryant, Perkins, Nelder,Sherman, Lawrence, Marsden, Walker, Scott.
Subs: Williams, Davis, Baker.

Whitstable: Keenan, Harrington, Ulph, Peacock, Smith, Hawkins, Okundalaiye, Wisker,
Mooney, Simmons, Heard.
Subs; Lloyd, Morrish, Martin.

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Tuesday 26th July 2011
Pre-season friendly
Herne Bay 0-0 Maidstone United

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Report by Ray Kelly

Stones manager Jay Saunders paid Bay’s manager Simon Halsey a great compliment by fielding a near full strength team for the first half of this friendly.
Although this enthralling contest ended goal-less it was by no means a bore draw with end to end play for the first 20 minutes.  Ellis Green gave Bay’s full back, Ollie Bartrum, a torrid time down the left flank and Bay’s Dan Lawrence doing the same to Stones full back Mills.
In the 7th minute, the tricky Green squared to Alex Waugh but he skied his shot from 10yards. Bay threatened
on 10 minutes following a longJim Sherman throw the Stone’s defence were caught flat- footed. Unfortunately Byron Walker blazed his shot just wide of the target.
Darren Marsden and Sherman started to impose themselves in midfield, creating chances for Walker and Lawrence, but neither could get past Roberts in the Maidstone goal.
Bay almost went ahead in the 25th minute; a diving header by Walker from a Tom Parker cross brought about a good reaction save from Roberts.
A minute later Walker was denied a goal when, after being played in by Jimmy Corbett, his shot rebounded off the bar.  On the half hour Stones replaced James Humphries with the evergreen Tommy Osbourne, this had an immediate effect, forcing Bay to defend deep in their own half.  In this period Dan Eason produced good saves from both Colin Richmond and Sands.
Throughout the first half Bay’s defence looked very solid with Toby Ashmore and James Campbell snuffing out the Stones front line and at the other end Lawrence and Walker were still a constant threat to the Stones defence.
For the second half both managers made a number of changes. For Bay, on came Jamie Maxted, Joe Nelder, Peter Williams and Neil Perkins and for Maidstone Brading, Harvey, Adusey, Knight and Johnson.
Maidstone settled first, forcing early corners but Bay defended well. Marsden and Walker continued to test the Stone’s back four. In the 60th minute Tom Parker crossed a great ball to Walker but his shot was well saved by Roberts.
15 minutes later Walker’s shot again hit the woodwork,with Roberts beaten after being put through by Lawrence.
In the 80th minute Tom Loynes replaced Walker and then a minute later Marsden limped off. For the second match running Bay held out for the final 10 minutes with only 10 players!
When referee, Nick Dunn, who controlled the game well, blew the final whistle, both teams knew that they had been fully extended in a very competitive pre-season friendly.
A good crowd of 200+ seemed to enjoy this encounter and the Bay fans left the ground smiling after witnessing good attacking football and controlled defending against such strong opposition. All appears to bode well for the coming season’s campaign.

Team; Eason, Bartrum, Bryant, Cambell,  Ashmore, Marsden, Sherman,  Corbett ,Walker, Parker
Subs;   Maxted, Williams, Perkins, Loynes, Nelder

Maidstone; Roberts, Femi,  Mills, Reed, Andrews, Sands, Green, Richmond, Pinnock, Waugh, Humphries
Subs; Harvey, Night, Adusey, Brading, Osbourne, Addae, Johnson.

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Saturday 23rd July 2011
Pre-Season friendly
Faversham Town 1-3 Herne Bay

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report by Ray Kelly

Manager Simon Halsey, in charge for his first game since returning from holiday, decided to rest a number of key players for this game including Byron Walker, Darren Marsden and Rhys Lawson so giving other Squad players a chance to shine, and shine  they did, out-playing Faversham on their own patch.
The Bay team hit the ground running, forcing three corners inside the first 5minutes. Jimmy Corbett had the first chance on 11minutes but his first time shot brought out a good save from the Faversham keeper, Robert French, who prevented Bay from opening the scoring.
This only delayed Bay taking the lead. 7 minutes later Bay broke the deadlock and what a good goal this was. A full blooded drive from Ben Brown was cleared off the line out to Tom Bryant. A quick pass  back to Jim Sherman to slide  the ball into  James Turner, standing on the 12 yard line . After taking one touch Turner curled the ball wide of French to put  Bay 1-0 up.
Faversham tried to up the pace but were struggling to make any impact on  the Herne Bay defence that was well marshalled by Toby Ashmore and James Campbell.
Favershams first chance of the half fell to Michael  Yiarni who forced his way through Bay’s defence his shot high over the bar from 10 yards. Then on 31minutes Faversham’s Dave Botterall was fouled on the edge of the box. Up stepped Damian Abel to send the  free kick over the wall but hit the post , leaving  Dan Eason flat footed on his goalline .
This action only made Bay more determined and they started to run the Town’s defence ragged.  With Dan Lawrence and James Turner attacking down both flanks, causing all sorts of problems to the two full backs, it came as  no surprise that Bay doubled their lead.
Following a mazy run through Faversham’s defence by Lawrence he slid the ball to Neil Perkins, who, noticing French off his line, coolly lobbed him to double Bay’s lead.2-0.
For the rest of the half  Sherman and Corbett, ably assisted by  Perkins, took control of mid field snuffing out  Faversham’s  attacks.
Both teams made several changes at half  time with Sean Bremner, Jamie Maxted, Peter Williams and Michael Turner coming on for Bay.
For the first 10minutes Faversham enjoyed their best period of the game putting Bay’s defence under severe pressure, forcing three corners in the process, but Bay’s defence held firm.
Then against the run of play Ben Brown broke away, surged down the left flank, cut in and following a fortunate ricochet off the defender, slammed the ball past French to put Bay three  up in the 55thminute.
For the last  20 minutes the Bay were forced to play with 10 men; Sam Baker getting a ‘dead leg’. Dan Lawrence was ready to come back on but  referee, Mr Ahmed, deemed this as a ‘roll on roll off’ substitution and refused to allow Lawrence to be re-introduced into the game. 10 minutes later, Ashmore was also withdrawn with a back injury, but again Bay were not allowed to replace him.
Nine man Bay held out for the 9 of the remaining 10 minutes left until Sherman was adjudged to have fouled Hill in the box, Botterall drove the spot kick into the bottom corner, giving Eason no chance, despite diving the correct way, to give Faversham a consolation goal.
Bay received  well deserved applause from the both the Faversham and Bay supporters alike as they left the field.
Full credit to Corbett and Sherman  who never stopped running throughout the 90 minutes plus all the Bay players for a their 100% effort.

Team; Eason, Baker, Bryant, Cambell,  Ashmore,  Perkins, Sherman,  Corbett ,Turner(J) Brown
Subs; Bremner,  Maxted Turner(M)  Williams.

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Wednesday 20th July 2011
Pre-Season Friendly
Herne Bay 4-0 Lewisham Borough

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Report by Ray Kelly

A superlative display from  Darren Marsden, including a fine hat trick,  was overshadowed by Lewisham Borough goal keeper, Kanurasi, who produced a string of superb  saves throughout the match.
In the early stages  Lewisham matched Bay’s endeavour and in fact had the first goal scoring chance when Allen shaved the outside of the post following a free kick 30yards out.
As the half continued Darren Marsden and Byron Walker started to put the Borough. defence under all sorts of pressure. Both players being thwarted by Kanurasi. Then  in the 28th minute, following a quick break out of defence , Neil Perkins’ cross found  Marsden in open space on the edge of the area. His first time volley found the top corner leaving the Borough keeper grasping thin air. 1-0
Within a minute  Byron Walker, with his first goal of this season, doubled the lead when he ran through the defence and slotted the ball past Kanusari. 2-0

Bay were now in complete control of the game with Joe Nelder, Walker and Marsden all peppering the Lewisham goal but failing to add to the score mainly due to a number of fine saves from Kanurasi in the Lewisham goal.

Several changes were made in the second half including Dan Lawrence for Michael Turner, Shaun Bremner for Jamie Maxted, Sam Baker, and Tom Loynes  also came off the bench. This change of personnel made no difference to Bay’s dominance and  Lewisham were forced to defend very deep. Their defence was run ragged by Walker and Marsden and it was no surprise when Marsden added to the score when he hit a thunderbolt of a shot from the edge of the box. 3-0.
On 75 minutes Lewisham must have breathed a sigh of relief when Byron Walker was withdrawn,and replaced by Adam Woolcott. Within a minute though, Marsden completed his hat trick, after waltzing his way through the Lewisham defence before  slotting home.
4-0
The final 10 minutes resembled something like the Alamo and thanks to further great saves from Kanurasi the visitors came away with a respectable scoreline which really didn’t reflect Bay’s dominance.

Bay team; Eason Perkins Hanson Cambell Lawson Parker Maxted Marsden Walker Nelder Turner(M)  subs;Bremner Williams Lawrence Loynes King Woolacott and Baker

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Saturday 16th July 2011
Pre-season Friendly
Herne Bay 3-2 Hertford Town


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Report by Ray Kelly.

The Bay were made to fight all the way by a good Hertford Town side and only a last minute penalty from Toby Ashmore proved enough to secure the victory.
Right from the kick off Bay side piled forward and with a bit more luck both Rhys Lawson and Byron Walker could have put them in front. Then in the 13minute, against the run of play, Hertford’s Chet Johnson, went on a solo run, working his way across the face of Bay’s defence, before slamming the ball past Dan Eason. 1 - 0 Hertford Town.
Within 3 minutes Bay were level. Following a Ben Brown free kick on the far right, after the keeper failed to clear the cross, the ball fell to James Cambell , to volley the ball into the top corner from 6 yards. 1 - 1.
Throughout the rest of the half Darren Marsden and Jim Sherman bossed the mid field, making many chances for the forwards, but alas all were spurned or saved by the very good Hertford keeper.
Just before half time Tom Bryant received a knock and was replaced by Steve Hanson.

The second half started with the visitors on top and only timely interventions from Joe Nelder and Steve Hanson prevented Hertford scoring again. On 50 minutes Dan Eason produced a fine save from Joss Lillis and it was the same player who caught  Bay’s defence asleep to nip in to put Hertford 2-1 up 20 minutes later.
This goal forced Bay to up the pace but Bay’s misfiring forwards failed to level the game until the 80th minute, when Darren Marsden breezed through the Hertford defence before squaring the ball to Rhys Lawson who made no mistake from 8 yards smashing the ball home .  2-2. A minute later Reserve player Tom Loynes replaced Ben Brown.
Bay were now pushing for a winner, forcing several corners in the process and with a minute remaining of normal time  Loynes was dragged down in the box and a penalty was rightly given. Up stepped Toby Ashmore who waited for the keeper to commit himself before he thumped  the ball powerfully to the keeper’s right to give Bay a deserved but hard earned 3-2 victory.
No doubt  Bay will look back on this game and rue the many chances that went begging, but all in all it was a good competitive game and very pleasing  to watch.
Poor attendance on the day probably thanks to some bad press noting that the the game was between the two club’s reserves teams.

Players that caught the eye:  Joe Nelder, Darren Marsden and Jim Sherman.

Team; Eason, Nelder,  Ashmore, Cambell, Bryant, Sherman,  Marsden, Lawson, Brown, Walker, Turner(M)  Subs: Hanson,  Loynes

In the reserve fixture, which preceded  this game, Bay won 1-0 thanks to a first half Stacy Davis header. Another good display of football from this young Bay side.

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Saturday 9th July 2011
Titch Willett Trophy
Herne Bay 2-0 Bethnal Green


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Match Report by Ray Kelly

For the third year running, Herne Bay retained the ‘Titch’ Willett Shield. A goal in each half from Rhys Lawson proved to be enough, but in all honesty Bay should have scored a hatful.

For the first 15 mins. both teams huffed and puffed, blowing away the closed season cobwebs, but it was the Bay who settled first and in the 15th minute Rhys Lawson latched on to an exqusite lob from Darren Marsden, beating Jack Potten in the Green goal to the ball, and  sliding  past him into the bottom corner.
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Throughout the rest of the half  Bay could, and should, have scored a few more goals with Peter Williams squandering a couple of gilt edge chances. Byron Walker and Marsden constantly troubled  the Bethnal Green defence and both were unlucky not to add to the score.

In the 2nd. Half, stand-in mangaer, Anthony Deer made 10  changes to the starting lineup. Dan Lawrence and brother Rob were far too good for Green ‘s defence and with a little more luck Rob could have scored a couple.

Rhys Lawson was re-introduced to the game when Walker went off injured and within 2minutes he put  Bay two up after catching Bethnal Green’s right back asleep to lash the ball into the net.

Players who caught the eye during the game were Ollie Barton who oozed class, Byron Walker who never stopped running and Toby Ashmore;  so solid in defence.

1st half team; Eason,  Barton,  Ashmore,  Campbell , Bryant, Lawson,  Marsden, Sherman , Brown,  Walker,  Williams.

2nd half team. Eason, Bremner,  Nelder,  Maxted,  Barton , Baker,  King,  Lawrence(D), Lawrence(R)  Perkins , Parker.

 

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