Bay Bounce Back

Herne Bay (2) 3
Craig Lewington o.g. 23
Dan Johnson 37
Danny Walder 55 (pen)

Molesey (1) 1
Dre Grobler 38

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
Saturday 9th January 2016
at The Altira Park Stadium, Winch's Field

(photo credit: Terry Kemp: Dan Johnson about to tap home Bay's second)

Ray Kelly writes:

After a pointless and goal less holiday period , Herne Bay got back to winning ways, defeating Molesey 3-1 at Winch’s Field. The Bay were made to work hard for the victory against a well drilled Molesey side.

It took three pitch inspections and sterling work by Barry Tracy and Jim Bubb to get the pitch playable before it was passed by referee Leigh Crowhurst at 2-00pm. From the kick off Molesey took the game to the Bay with the dangerous Andre Grobler and Stafforde Palmer causing the Bay problems in defence but after weathering the early pressure Herne Bay started to impose themselves on the ‘Moles’.

On 23 minutes Herne Bay took the lead following a Sam Hasler corner that was sliced in at the near post by the Molesey captain Craig Lewington. Molesey pushed forward in search of an equaliser and on 30 minutes , following a corner , Andre Grobler headed over when well placed. Herne Bay continued to push forward and in the 37th. minute Joe Nelder surged down the right before crossing to find Dan Johnson who fired in from close range.

Herne Bay’s two goal lead lasted only a minute when Molesey pulled one back . James McShane sent over a cross that eluded the Bay defence and Andre Grobler headed in at the far post. Molesey were battling hard for an equaliser and should have done better in the 44th minute when Andre Grobler headed wide following a free kick from Craig Lewington.

After a quiet first half Herne Bay custodian Jack Delo was brought into action in the 51st. minute when he made a superb double save to prevent Reis Stanislaus and Stafforde Palmer from getting on the score sheet. Within two minutes of Jack Delo’s heroics Herne Bay went 3-1 up after referee Crowhurst awarded a penalty to the Bay following a foul on Danny Walder in the box, he stepped up and rifled in.

Herne Bay were once again indebted to Jack Delo in the 72nd. minute when he superbly saved a stinging shot from Stafforde Palmer.
Herne Bay continued to search for a 4th goal but chances for Sam Hasler and Elliot Cutts were cut out by the Molesey defence.

Molesey pushed forward looking to reduce the arrears and on 81 minutes once again Jack Delo excelled himself with a super save from a Reis Stanislaus shot that looked a goal all the way. A minute later it was the Molesey goalkeeper in action , bringing off two great saves to prevent any more scoring.

Herne Bay fully deserved to win this encounter and it was good to see the goals flying in again. Once again this season Jack Delo takes the plaudits for a great display of goalkeeping. This win takes the Bay back into the play off positions.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Nathan Eastwood, Dan Johnson, Liam Quinn, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder (Dan Parkinson 83), Joe Nelder, Mark Lovell (James Turner 75), Lee Browning (Elliott Cutts 67), Sam Hasler.

Sent Off: none Cautions: Lee Browning, Dan Parkinson

Man of the Match: Jack Delo