Flat Point

Herne Bay (1) 1
Joe Nelder 18

Three Bridges (1) 1
Javlon Campbell 41

Attendance: 218

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

(photo credit: Steve Barton – Joe Nelder powers home)[/i][/b]

It was a lifeless return to league action for Herne Bay after their cup exploits of recent weeks against a rejuvenated East Grinstead, bolstered by new signings and loanees that belied their lowly league position.

“Let’s not get away from the fact that we were terrible today for whatever reason”, said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, “it was a very flat performance, the crowd were quiet, it was flat and not good enough, we got what we deserved.”

Ray Kelly writes: East Grinstead Town held Herne Bay to a 1-1 draw at the newly named Altira Park Stadium (Winch’s Field) in what can only be described as an uninspiring game, with both teams playing below par. For the first 15 minutes both teams became bogged down in mid-field with only Elliot Cutts and Joe Nelder showing any sort of spark for Herne Bay and it was this combination that opened up the scoring in the 18th. minute when Frannie Colin played in Elliot who fired in from 10 yards, the East Grinstead custodian
Aiden Prall, could only parry the shot into the path of Joe Nelder who crashed the ball home.

As the half progressed East Grinstead came more into the game with Junior Kaffo dominating mid-field and Casey Johnson testing the Bay defence at regular intervals. On 40 minutes Elliot Cutts had a good chance to increase the Bay lead when he received a Danny Parkinson cross but his low shot was well saved by Aiden Prall. A minute later East Grinstead equalised after a good cross from the byeline by Junior Kaffo , Javlon Campbell out jumped the defence to nod in.

The second half was only 5 minutes old when Herne Bay manager Sam Denly made changes to inject pace into the forward line, bringing on Steven Ita and Kane Phillip for James Turner and Danny Parkinson. In the 54th.minute East Grinstead had the ball in the net when Greg Cundle slotted in from close range but the linesman flagged for off side.

Disaster struck Herne Bay in the 72nd. minute when Giorgio Russo was ordered off for a foul tackle on the edge of the penalty area , this decision was a bit harsh by the referee Mr. Dean Skipper. For the final 15 minutes Herne Bay went in search of the winner with Frannie Colin ,Joe Nelder and Danny Williams all going close . When the final whistle went the Bay had dropped two points in this very winnable game. Tuesday night Herne Bay host Guernsey in what should be a thrilling match with the Leagues top scorer , Ross Allan ,
on show for Guernsey.

“The goal was well worked, probably the only good bit of football we played first half”, said Denly, “we knew what the problem was but it was hard to make an impact, It was just a flat performance. Everyone has a bad day at the office, we’ve managed to get a point so we’ll take that. Frustrating.”

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Georgio Russo, Nathan Eastwood, Dan Johnson, Liam Quinn, Connor Sanders, Joe Nelder, Dan Parkinson (Steven Ita 54), Frannie Collin, Elliott Cutts (Danny Williams 69), James Turner (Kane Phillip 54).

Subs not used: Kane Butler, Harry Brown.

Sent Off: Georgio Russo Cautioned: Nathan Eastwood

East Grinstead Town: Aiden Prall, Billy Parkinson, Tom Carlse, Ross Morley, Jon Difford, Greg Haydon, Ade Joshua, Junior Kaffo, Javlon Campbell, Greg Cundle (Hassan Ibrahim 78), Casey Johnson.

Subs not used: Callum Emptage, Mishal Smith (only three subs named)

Sent Off: None Cautioned: Jon Difford.

Referee: Dean Skipper Assistant Referees: Tom King & Simon Hearn

Man of the Match: Dan Johnson (Herne Bay)