Bay Fight Back To Claim A Point

Molesey (1) 3
Charlie Samuels 2, 68
Joe Nwoku 78

Herne Bay (0) 3
Danny Walder 51 (pen)
James Turner 80
Mark Lovell 87

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
Saturday 10th December 2016
at Walton Road

Att: 53

(photo credit: Peter Guise)

"We're really pleased to have pulled back from 3-1", said Herne Bay assistant manager Gavin Thieze, "disappointed to score three away from home and not win but we're really pleased we got out of jail there".

Ray Kelly writes: Herne Bay staged a tremendous late come back to ‘snaffle’ a well earned point at Molesey on Saturday. Despite being 3-1 down with 12 minutes left on the clock, goals from James Turner and Mark Lovell made sure that the Bay gained a share of the spoils.

The match started in the worst possible way for Bay with the ‘Moles’ going ahead in the 2nd minute when Joe Nwoko chased down the ball before crossing to Charlie Samuels who slotted in from close range. Herne Bay were slow out of the blocks and it wasn’t until the 15th. minute that the Bay had their first chance on the Molesey goal when James Turner had a good run down the left before crossing to Danny Williams who fired wide of Liam Allen in the ‘Moles’ goal. On 23 minutes a corner from Craig Lewington was well taken by Jack Delo and a quick throw out found Danny Williams who in turn crossed to James Turner but his shot was superbly saved by Allen.
Herne Bay started to get on top as the half wore on and on 33 minutes Mark Lovell was unlucky to see his diving header well saved by Liam Allen.

Herne Bay started the second half at pace, forcing Molesey to defend deep and they were rewarded in the 51st minute when Nathan Eastwood was clattered from behind in the box, referee Russell had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Danny Walder to slam in the penalty. The game started to get a bit fractious with fouls all over the field and on 61 minutes the ‘Moles’ centre half was lucky to stay on the pitch after a very high tackle on Connor Sanders. In the 68th minute Molesey regained the lead when Charlie Samuels sent in a curling shot that deceived Jack Delo, to score his second of the afternoon. On 78 minutes Joe Nwoko increased the ‘Moles’ lead when he burst through the Bay defence before slotting past Jack Delo. Molesey looked to overwhelm the Bay but Jack Delo produced two great saves from Tom Windsor and Ashby Charles. Within two minutes the Bay had reduced the arrears when James Turner went on a great solo run before rolling the ball past Allen. With only 3 minutes left on the clock Herne Bay equalised following a Danny Walder corner that Mark Lovell headed past Liam Allen at the near post. This was a good point won and showed the battling qualities of this Bay squad who are gradually inching up the league.

"It's an important point against one of the teams around us, we've got to pull ourselves out of this position. They're fighting, they've shown that and we've got to just take that on to the next game and keep fighting for our points", said Thieze.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Chris Elliott (Femi Apantaku 75), Ben Gorham, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder, Nathan Eastwood, Mark Lovell, Danny Williams, James Turner.

Subs not used: Josh Algar, Jack Sutton.

HBFCSA Man of the Match: Nathan Eastwood