Dominant Bay Back In Contention

Herne Bay (0) 1
Danny Walder 52 (pen)

Whyteleafe (0) 0

Attendance: 151

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
Tuesday 10th November 2015.
(at The Altira Park Stadium, Winch’s Field)

(photo credit: HBFC Library photo – Danny Walder)

Herne Bay put themselves back into play-off contention with this dominant display ending Whyteleafe’s winning away run. Despite being in 13th place, the Bay are a mere 3 points off the play-off berths with games in hand over most of the teams above them in this tightly packed and competitive division.

“For me, that’s probably one of the best performances they’ve given me”, said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, “it was a complete performance, it should have been four or five, we’ve absolutely dominated the game tonight. We were outstanding right the way across the park, so many individual performances, I couldn’t name one, everyone was excellent”.

Ray Kelly writes: Herne Bay continue to climb up the league after victory against the League’s in form side, Whyteleafe. This was a good all round team performance , led by the excellent Liam Quinn who was superb in the heart of the Bay defence. With chances at a premium for both sides , it was a Danny Walder penalty that separated the two teams.

In the first minute Whyteleafe were awarded a free kick ,35 yards out, Nathan Simpson’s kick was headed wide by Darryl Coleman when well placed. Back came the Bay with a similar free kick (35 yards out) Sam Hasler fired in but Whyteleafe’s Vernon Francis headed away for a corner. Sam Hasler , on the third time, found Danny Walder but he headed wide from close in.Half chances fell to Herne Bay’s Mark Lovell, who headed onto the bar after a Connor Sanders long throw in the 16th. minute and Sam Hasler who cracked in a super shot that Bailey Voce did well to collect in the 32nd. minute. Whyteleafe also had a couple of chances during the first half with Darryl Coleman and Jamie Bryatt both testing Jack Delo in the Herne Bay goal. Through-out the first half both defences were dominant with Liam Quinn looking the stand out player.
In the 38th and 42nd minute , Elliot Cutts forced corners but good goal keeping from Bailey Voce, punching clear on both occasions . Just on half time Joe Nelder went on a good run before crossing to Sam Hasler who blasted into the side netting.

Herne Bay were first on the attack in the second half with Elliot Cutts and Connor Sanders both linking well forcing Whytleafe into some last ditch defending by Jamal King. Herne Bay broke the deadlock in the 52nd. minute when Danny Walder was dragged back by Nathan Simpson in the penalty area. The Referee Mr.Stuart Butler had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Danny Walder smashed the ball past Voce. The Bay almost doubled their lead in the 58th. minute when Joe Nelder forced his way through the Leafe defence but he fired into the side netting. From that moment on Whyteleafe started to put pressure on the Bay defence but Michael Turner, Gary Sayer and Liam Quinn all made timely interventions to thwart Jamie Bryatt and Ryan Fowler.

Herne Bay’s final chance of the game fell to Sam Hasler who fired just past the post after a great run from Elliot Cutts. For the final 10 minutes Bay were pegged back in their own half and it seemed like it was Liam Quinn verses the Whyteleafe team , such was his dominance in the heart of the Bay defence. Whyteleafe did not take the loss well and it was ‘hand bags’ on the way off the pitch.

“I’ve said to the lads we’ve got to win the games in hand, but if we play like that we’ll win our fair share of them”, said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, “they’re a good side Whyteleafe, I don’t think anyone could pick the top five this year. There are so many teams in contention this year and we are one of them, there’s no question about that”.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Dan Johnson, Liam Quinn, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder (Nathan Eastwood 69), Joe Nelder (Kane Phillip 81), Mark Lovell (Danny Williams 73), Elliot Cutts, Sam Hasler.

Subs not used: Steven Ita, James Turner.

Sent Off: none Cautioned: Sam Hasler.

Whyteleafe: Bailey Vose, Dean Hamlin, Nathan Simpson, Vernon Francis, Jahmahl King, Tommy Smith, Sam Clayton, Daryl Coleman (Jenson Grant 85), Ike-Robertson Feehi, Jamie Byatt (Dan Moody 70), Ryan Fowler.

Subs not used: Louis Hoolingsworth (only 3 subs named)..

Sent Off: None Cautioned: Sam Clayton, Dean Hamlin.

Referee: Stuart Butler Assistant Referees: Damian Mirzadeh & Steve Perry.

Man of the Match: Liam Quinn (Herne Bay)