Herne Bay extended their worrying league run of defeats to five with this reverse against the Cannons who underlined their credentials for a play-off push season coming back from a goal down, whilst Herne Bay languish third from bottom albeit with a couple of games in hand over most as a result of cup exploits. Once again, Bay led at half time, and deservedly so, Michael Turner's tenacious first 45 display had Hythe on the back foot. Two goals in the space of three second half minutes turned this game around though and Bay ere left, once more, to ponder what might have been. On the brighter side, Bay remain unbeaten in the league at home.

Ray Kelly writes: Herne Bay’s run of poor results continued on Tuesday night, going down 3-1 to high flying Hythe Town at Reachfields but in saying this, Herne Bay played well in the first half, going in 1-0 up at half time but a ‘blitz’ in the last 30 minutes from the rampant Hythe forwards saw the Bay wilt under the pressure. From the kick off the game ebbed and flowed between both sides with Hythe’s Alfie May and Sam Adams putting the Bay defence under the cosh at times and Mark Lovell and Danny Williams doing the same for the Bay. The first real goal scoring chance fell to Hythe in the 5th minute when, following a free kick, Frank Sawyer's shot was palmed over the bar by Jack Delo. The resulting corner was well cleared by Nathan Eastwood. Herne Bay battled back and two minutes later took the lead in great style when a cross from Kane Phillip found Michael Turner on the edge of the box, he lashed in a hard low drive that gave Joe Mant in the Hythe goal no chance. Hythe Town pushed forward in search of an equaliser with Alfie May and Sam Adams both missing out on good chances in the 13/14 minutes. In the 15th. minute Mark Lovell was unlucky to see his header well saved by Joe Mant and a minute later Adam Woolcott saw his rasping shot graze the the upright. Through out the first half Michael Turner was in superb form, whether on the attack or defending. Another good chance fell to Hythe in the 30th. minute when Ryan Johnson was put through but squandered his effort by hoofing the ball over the bar. Jack Delo was again in action in the 35th. minute when he palmed over a good shot from Josh Burchell. Herne Bay held on to the lead until half time.

The second half started with Bay in determined mood and as they pushed forward they created several chances for Mark Lovell and Adam Woolcott but neither could convert. Hythe restored parity when Frankie Sawyer picked up a loose ball and lobbed the advancing Jack Delo. Three minutes later Hythe Town took the lead when Alfie May smashed in from close range. Alex Skinner scored with his first kick of the game when he latched on to a great cross from Alfie May giving Jack Delo no chance. This was a much improved performance from Bay but as in previous games they let a 1-0 lead slip away.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Nathan Eastwood, Kenny Sanders, Joe Kennett, Connor Sanders (James Turner 81), Danny Walder, Adam Woolcott, Mark Lovell, Danny Williams (Chris Elliott 58), Kane Phillip (Stuart Zanone 66)

Subs not used: Gary Sayer, Josh Algar

Herne Bay Man of the Match: Michael Turner

Match details

Match date

Tue 27 Sep 2016

Kickoff

19:45

Attendance

202

Competition

South Division

League position

Hythe Town

Herne Bay

Team overview

Cannons Fire