Bay out-classed by a very good Charlton Athletic Development team

Herne Bay were defeated 3-0 in the quarter final of the Kent Senior Cup by a very good Charlton Athletic side.

Charlton fielded their under 21 team who out played Herne Bay in every department with a brand of football that was very pleasing on the eye.
Athletic attacked down both flanks and after only five minutes found themselves 1-0 up after Tom Bryant's attempted back pass fell to Bradley Jorden at the near post who mis-kicked his shot
resulting in the ball bouncing over a prostrate Rob French.

Bay tried to get into the game but were forced back by a very lively Callum Harriott and Michael Smith.

These two players were a constant thorn in the side for Bay's defence. French dived bravely at the feet of Smith to prevent
a certain goal and a minute later he kept out a stinging shot from Harriott.

As the half wore on Harriott and Cortney Harris were controlling the midfield for the visitors, forcing Herne Bay to attack on the counter and only great interventions from Calum McGeehan and James Campbell
kept the rampant Charlton forwards out.

On the half hour French once again became Herne Bay's savior with another save at the feet of Joe Pigott.

Marvin Okundalaiye enjoying a start in the team made several good runs at the Athletic defence but Kevin Feely and Semi Ajayi were always on hand to clear any danger.

it took 36 minutes before Herne Bay threatened Nick Pope in the Addicks goal. This chance fell to Ben Brown whose free kick from 30 yards was well picked out by Pope. A minute later the lead was doubled when the powerful and skilful Smith burst through the defence and fired across French into the far corner.

Harriott almost made it three nil just before half time but Campbell blocked his effort.

Steven Lloyd replaced Campbell at the start of the 2nd period.
Herne Bay started the second half with more urgency and they were unlucky not to score in the 50th minute following a free kick 40 yards out. Brown's kick was well placed for McGeehan but he headed inches
over the bar. Two further changes brought Emmanuel Abe and Antony Searle into the game, replacing James Turner and Dean Grant.

With 15 minutes remaining, Okundalaiye forced a corner for Bay; the resulting cross was met bySteve Hanson but his header was off target.
Two minutes later the visitors made sure of victory when Jorden Cousens played in Pigott who headed in at the far post.

Pigott nearly made it four but his curling shot hit the bar, before Referee Darren Bluden brought the game to an end.

Herne Bay were several players short for this game but it wouldn't of made any difference as this young Charlton Athletic side were in another class.

Att: 260
Team ; French, Hanson, Bryant, McGeehan, Campbell, Okundalaiye, Brown, J.Turner, Agbajae, Grant.

Subs not used: Lloyd (Campbell 46mins) Searle (J Turner 60mins) Abe (Grant 61 mins).

not used: M.Turner Lawson