Zanone Strikes

Herne Bay (0)1
Stuart Zanone 71

Hastings United (1) 1
Jay May (pen) 13

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
Tuesday 16th August 2016
at The Altira Park Stadium, Winch's Field

Att: 208

by Steve Barton

(photo credit: Peter Guise - Bay celebrate Zanone's equaliser)

"That was one of our best 2nd half performances since I've been here, I'm extremely proud of the lads", Herne Bay manager Sam Denly after the 1-1 draw with title favourites Hastings United

In the opening exchanges Darren Hare’s expensively assembled Hastings United showed why they are one of the pre-season favourites and deservedly, if rather fortuitously, went ahead in the 13th minute after a contentious penalty decision. Herne Bay gradually came back into the game came out in the second half and played some of the best football ever seen at Winch’s Field. Stuart Zanone headed in the leveller on 71 and then saw his shot thunder back off the upright, a goal which would have been no more than Bay merited.

Ray Kelly writes: Hastings United were the visitors for Herne Bay’s first League game of the season on Tuesday night. A superb game ensued and was a credit to Ryman League football , although the match ended up a 1-1 draw it was a game of ‘two halves’ as it were. From the kick off Hastings swarmed all over the Bay with Jay May and Mat Bodkin constantly testing the Bay defence. On 13 minutes Referee Oliver Butcher adjudged that Liam Quinn handled the ball in the area following a goal mouth scramble. From the spot Jay May scored with ease.

Hastings continued to press the Herne Bay defence but the Bay remained solid with Liam Quinn, debutant Kenny Sanders and brother Connor Sanders in superb form. Herne Bay started to get back on terms before half time with Sam Hasler inspirational , directing all the
good moves.

The second half started in much the same vein and after only 2 minutes Jay May surged through the Bay defence but blasted his effort well over. This seemed to shake the Bay lads up and they upped the pace and started forcing Hastings back deep. On 56 minutes Kenny Sanders tried a shot from distance that skimmed Len Pidgeley’s cross bar and three minutes later Danny Williams went on a good solo run but his final effort was smothered away by Len Pidgeley. Back came Hastings in the 61st. minute and it took a great header from Liam Quinn to clear his lines after a shot from Jay May. Sam Hasler began to run the Hastings defence ragged and on 71 minutes he forced a corner, Danny Walders cross was met by Stuart Zanone who nodded in to restore parity. Further chances and half chances fell to Mark Lovell and Sam Hasler and a Stuart Zanone effort struck the post and away.

The game ended with the Bay well on top and Sam Hasler enjoyed his best game in a Herne Bay shirt. This was a great second half performance from this young Bay side and with a little more luck we could have won this encounter.

"We played them off the park second half and camped in their box for 40 minutes of the 45 and tonight we were absolutely immense against a very strong Hastings side who are tipped to win the league", said Denly, "if we can apply ourselves like that for the rest of the season then we won't go too far wrong. The team spirit, the camaraderie, you won't see too many better dressing rooms than ours, a good bunch of lads. I made a few changes tonight, a few of them forced, and they've been outstanding, every one of the lads that came in put in a strong performance".

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Nathan Eastwood, Kenny Sanders, Liam Quinn, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder, Danny Williams (Kane Phillip 81), Mark Lovell, Stuart Zanone (Sam Hallett 90), Sam Hasler.

Subs not used: Harry Brown, Georgio Russo, Adam Woolcott

Man of the Match: Sam Hasler