Zanone - oh-oh!

Barton Rovers (0) 0

Herne Bay (1) 1
Stuart Zanone 26

FA Trophy Preliminary Round
Saturday 8th October 2016
At Sharpenhoe Road

Att: 101

(Photo credit: Steve Barton - Stuart Zanone (10) slots home to put Bay through)

"We've been good in cups this season and that`s a nice start in the FA Trophy", said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, "the boys who came in were outstanding and fully deserved the win".

The treasurer could afford a feint smile at the thought of the FA Trophy preliminary round winners' cheque dropping on his doormat and those that travelled beamed at the final whistle following a solid performance from Bay who progressed to the 1st Round Qualifying thanks to Stuart Zanone`s first half strike and two top draw second half saves from Jack Delo. The margin might have been more but one was enough although James Turner might feel aggrieved not to have won a penalty in stoppage time. But by then, it hardly mattered.

Ray Kelly writes: Herne Bay caused a minor upset by progressing to the next round at the expense of Southern League high flyers Barton Rovers at their Sharpenhoe Road ground. Herne Bay’s 1-0 win was even more remarkable considering the Bay had lost Connor Sanders, Kenny Sanders and Danny Williams through injury ,Sam Hasler ,serving a suspension and Joe Kennett who was unavailable. Manager Sam Denly used his squad players to great effect and everyone gave 100% to the cause. Barton Rovers fielded a big strong side and dominated the first 15 minutes with Rod Orland-Young and Connor Calcutt putting Bay under a lot of pressure. In the 6th minute Orlando-Young sent in a good header that Jack Delo did well to keep out and a minute later Jack had to be quick off his line to kick away a Connor Calcutt effort. After the initial onslaught Herne Bay started to get into the game with Stuart Zanone becoming a pest to the Rovers defence, chances began to come with Mark Lovell and James Turner both going close and on 26 minutes Herne Bay took the lead when Stuart Zanone went on a solo run down the right before cutting in and hammering the ball past Lewis Todd in the Rovers goal from an acute angle.

Over the next few minutes both teams netted but both efforts were ruled off side. Joe Nelder then became Herne Bay’s saviour when he headed a Charlie Smith free kick off his goal line. Barton Rovers continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and on 30 minutes Jack Delo pulled off a great save to prevent Jordan Wynter from equalising. On 35 minutes Bay almost doubled the lead when Stuart Zanone played an inch perfect pass to Adam Woolcott but his thunderous shot grazed the Rovers cross bar. For the next 10 minutes it was nip and tuck before the half time whistle was blown by referee Mr. Tom Reeves.

The second half started with Barton Rovers dominating from the kick off, looking to restore parity but the Herne Bay defence remained resolute. Once again Jack Delo thwarted efforts from Josh Bamford and the tricky Orlando -Young . Herne Bay began to get back into the game as the half progressed and on 56 minutes Marlk Lovell fired over after a good cross from James Turner. Herne Bay started to dominate the game with Adam Woolcott imperious in his mid-field role and Stuart Zanone constantly getting behind the Rovers defence but on 75 minutes the Bay were indebted to Jack Delo who pulled off two great saves to keep the Bay in the game, firstly going full length to stop a Charlie Smith free kick and a moment later stopping a Elliot Bailey thunderbolt. Herne Bay played out the final 10 minutes on the attack and with a little more luck could have doubled their lead.

At the end of the match the 30 or so Bay fans that made the long journey to Bedfordshire rightly applauded the team off the field and Manager Sam Denly should also take credit for having the strength and depth of the squad players that he has. Every player gave 100% today and were worthy winners.

"What we need to do now is take this form into our league matches. It hasn`t been a great start to the season. But we will enjoy this win and then go again in the league", said Denly.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Joe Nelder, Chris Elliott, Josh Algar (Kane Phillip 58), Danny Walder, Adam Woollcott, Mark Lovell, Stuart Zanone, James Turner.

Subs not used: Josh Wood, Toby Wood, Alan Bangura (only 4 subs named)

Herne Bay man of the match: Joe Nelder