Elliot Cutts Bourne To Ribbons

Herne Bay (2) 3
Cutts 13, 90
Turner 43

Sittingbourne (0) 1
Beecroft 50

Attendance:267

Ryman One South
Saturday 8th August 2015

at Winch's Field

(photo credit: Steve Barton - Elliot Cutts stabs home)

Elliot Cutts announced his arrival on the first team stage for the new season with the opening and closing goals in this opening day victory in front of a good sized derby crowd. He got his first on 13 minutes with James Turner announcing his return to fitness with a goal right at the end of the first half. Although Jake Beecroft pulled one back for Bourne 5 minutes after the restart, Cutts sealed the points at the end of the 90.

Ray Kelly writes:

Herne Bay got off to a great start in their opening league game against local rivals Sittingbourne , winning 3-1 at Winch’s Field ,in front of a good sized crowd.
A brace from Elliot Cutts and a poachers goal from James Turner secured the victory. For the first 10 minutes both sides sounded each other out with Steven Ita and Elliot Cutts raiding down the flanks for the Bay and Ole Bankole and Miles Cornwell examining Herne Bay's defence.

On 8 minutes ,the first chance fell to Jake Beecroft when he lashed in a shot from 20 yards but it flew well over the bar. Two minutes later the same player launched a free kick into the Bay area that Jack Delo did well to punch clear. With the Bay getting on top they were awarded a free kick in the 13th minute some 30 yards out, Danny Walder played it short to James Turner who in turn picked out Steven Ita who crossed to Elliot Cutts who slotted in from close range.

Herne Bay started to control the game leaving the ‘Brickies’ to an occasional counter attack. On the half hour Sittingbourne forward Harry Smith out paced Liam Quinn and went one on one with Jack Delo but Jack got down well to prevent Smith from equalising. Five minutes later James Turner was unlucky to see his shot expertly saved by Adam Molloy in the ‘Brickies’ goal. With half time fast approaching , Herne Bay doubled their lead when Jack Delo punted a long ball up field that Sittingbourne’s Centre back Jack North dwelt on and in nipped James Turner to slot past the advancing Molloy.

Within two minutes of the restart Herne Bay could have increased their lead when Elliot Cutts produced some magic down the right before crossing to Steven Ita who’s shot was well saved by Adam Molloy. The ‘Brickies’ pulled a goal back in the 50th. minute when good work from Adam Williams resulted in him pulling a ball back to find an unmarked Jake Beecroft who tapped in from 3 yards. Further chances fell to James Turner and Mark Lovell but neither could convert. Manager Sam Denly made changes bringing on Danny Williams and Kane Phillip with James Turner and Mark Lovell making way. Sittingbourne also brought on Fred Obasa for Adam Williams. This inspired the ‘Brickies’ who upped their game and went looking for an equaliser and only a great save from Jack Delo prevented them doing so when he dived at the feet of Harry Smith when through.

Further attacks followed but Liam Quinn organised his defence well, snuffing out any danger. With a minute left on the clock , Kane Phillip went on a mazy run through the ‘Brickies’ defence only to be brought down on the edge of the box by Billy French. Steven ita played the ball short to Harry Brown who fired in a rasping shot that Molloy could only parry , in came Elliot Cutts to nod in from
6 yards. Within seconds the Referee blew for full time. A very good all round team performance from the Bay with Elliot Cutts and Steven Ita catching the eye.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Daniel Johnson, Liam Quinn, Danny Walder (Connor Sanders 74), Elliot Cuts, Mark Lovell (Danny Williams 56), James Turner (Kane Phillip 65), Steven Ita.

Subs not used: James Brown, Kane Butler

Herne Bay Man of the Match: Elliot Cutts