Hallett Opens First team account

Herne Bay 3
Danny Williams
Connor Sanders
Sam Hallett

Sheppey United 2

Pre Season Fixture
Tuesday 26th July 2016
at Winch's Field

by Steve Barton

(photo credit: Steve Barton: Danny Williams opens the scoring)

After four games on the road Herne Bay gave their home fans some pre-season cheer with a fine win over Southern Counties East new-boys Sheppey United. In a pulsating first period Danny Williams’ opener was levelled before the break and Bay piled forward in the second half. Substitute Sam Hallett first set up Connor Sanders before breaking his duck from 25-yards. A late goal from the Ites was not enough to break Bay’s resolve and the Winch’s Field faithful went home happy.

Ray Kelly writes: Two former Herne Bay favorites ,Barry Morgan and Ernie Batten, brought their Sheppey United to Herne Bay for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday night. They have got together a very useful and skillfull team that really tested the Bay. From the kick-off both teams were intent on attacking football and as early as the 5th. minute Jack Delo had to be quick off his line to head clear from the advancing Nworko. On 14 minutes Sam Hasler was unlucky to see his free kick skim the crossbar. With the game going end end to end the Bay defence were getting a real testing and were thankful for timely interceptions from Liam Quinn and Gary Sayer, to prevent Adaje , Babington and Harold getting through. As the half wore on Sam Hasler and Danny Williams started to make inroads into the Sheppey defence and it was no surprise that the Bay took the lead when a long throw on from Conor Sanders found Danny Williams who’s header found the back of the net leaving the Sheppey goal keeper no chance. On 29 minutes Darren Marsden shot wide when well placed. Sheppey continued to press forward and only good goal keeping from Jack Delo prevented Harold and Babington getting on the score sheet. On 35 minutes Sheppey restored parity when a low hard cross from Adaje was met at the near post by Thompson who flicked the ball home.

Manager Sam Denly introduced Sam Hallett at half time, withdrawing Kane Phillip. Herne Bay started to get on top with Sam Hasler ,Danny Williams and Sam Hallett all going close and on 55 minutes Connor Sanders prodded the ball home after some good work from Sam Hallett. Many changes were made on 60 minutes by both teams, with Marsden, Delo and Michael Turner all leaving the field for Toby Wood (G/K), James Turner and Georgio Russo coming on. Sheppey also rung the changes. On 70 minutes Sam Hallett was unlucky to see his venomous shot hit the cross bar. Two minutes later Danny Williams had a shot well saved by Bourne in the Sheppey goal, this proved to be Danny’s last kick as he was replaced by Elliot Cutts. This was Elliot's last game for the club as he is going to UNI in the U.S.A. for 4 years. We all wish him well in the U.S.A. and hope to see him play for us at a future date. In the 75th. minute Sam Hallett put the Bay further in front with a 25 yard screamer, his debut goal was well worth watching. (see Ken's video on the loyal fan club facebook page). Sheppey continued to press and were rewarded in the last minute of the game when Dappo cut in from the right and fired across Toby Wood to reduce the arrears.

Herne Bay squad: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Liam Quinn, Gary Sayer, Harry Brown, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder, Darren Marsden, Sam Hasler, Danny Williams, Kane Phillip, Toby Wood, Sam Hallett, Elliot Cutts, James Turner, Giorgio Russo.