"Clean sheet! That's a nice feeling, it's been a while since I've said that", said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, "there's been some outstanding performances today. I said to the boys today when things aren't going right I need the leaders to come to the forefront and they've done that".

Herne Bay maintained their unbeaten home record in the league with this solid display against a Corinthian Casuals side having one of their best starts to a season riding high in the table. But Bay dug in, put recent defeats away from the Field of Dreams behind them and went on to record a heartening win through Woolcott's strike 12 minutes from time to send the faithful home happy.

Ray Kelly writes: Herne Bay put behind them the recent run of poor results by defeating Corinthian Casual’s on Saturday. Bay fully deserved this win but they had to overcome third placed Casuals who made them fight hard. First half heroic’s from Jack Delo and a late second half goal from Adam Woolcott secured all three points for Herne Bay. The first half was very much a stalemate with both sides missing good chances but it was the Bay who dominated the mid field. The first goal effort fell to the Casuals on 10 minutes when Joe Nelder headed off the goal line from a shot from Mahrez Bettache and a minute later Joe Kennett did the same from the same player. On 15 minutes Herne Bay broke out with Danny Williams putting James Turner through but his shot was deflected away. In the 21st minute Casuals keeper, Danny Bracken, saved well from a Danny Walder free kick. Back came Corinthian Casuals on 30 minutes when a great save from Jack Delo prevented Jamie Byatt from putting them ahead. Further chances fell to Jack Strange who headed over when well placed and Jeuvan Spencer who shot wide. On 42 minutes Jack Delo once again came to the Bay’s rescue producing a fine double save at the feet of Bettache. Through out the first half Connor Sanders' long throws caused panic in the Casuals defence and with a little more luck the Bay could have taken a lead before the break. The second half started with Bay well up for the battle and they started pressing the Casuals defence and on 55 minutes a good Danny Williams cross was headed just wide by Mark Lovell. In the 60th. minute Jeuvan Spencer produced the miss of the match when he fired wide with the goal at his mercy. A minute later at the other end , a long throw from Connor Sanders was headed over by Joe Kennett who out jumped the Casuals defence. Herne Bay started to create more chances with Mark Lovell and Stuart Zanone both going close. The breakthrough came on 78 minutes when good work down the right by Mark Lovell resulted in a low hard cross that Adam Woolcott thumped in past Bracken. Herne Bay’s defence then closed ranks for the final 10 minutes and saw out the match and with it three well earned points. Every player gave their all during the match with Adam Woolcott , Mark Lovell and Danny Williams catching the eye but the man of the match was Jack Delo who gave a superb display.

"They're a good side, but so are we", said Denly, "we haven't been great recently but we looked good today. We shored up, defensively we were strong, the only game we've lost at home is the FA Cup game against a Conference South side so no shame in that. We've enjoyed playing at home, we've had some good results, played some good football and we'd like to continue that and improve away from home".

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Joe Nelder, Joe Kennett, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder (Josh Algar 84), Danny Williams, Mark Lovell, Adam Woolcott, James Turner (Stuart Zanone 68)

Subs not used: Kane Phillip, Chris Elliott, Sam Hallett.

HBFCSA an of the Match: Jack Delo

Match details

Match date

Sat 01 Oct 2016

Kickoff

15:00

Attendance

177

Competition

South Division

League position

Corinthian-Casuals

Herne Bay

Team overview

Woolcott Winner at Winch's