Boxing Day Points for Bay

Ramsgate (0) 0

Herne Bay (1) 2
Danny Williams 17
Kane Phillip 81

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
Monday 26th December 2016
at Southwood

Att: 233

(photo credit: Steve Barton - celebrations for Danny Williams after opening Bay's account)

Ray Kelly writes: Herne Bay began the ‘Festive’ season fixtures with a fine win at Southwood on Boxing Day. Try as they may, the Rams couldn’t break through the ‘Scrooge’ like Herne Bay defence with Ben Gorham and Gary Sayer in superb form. From the kick off Bay forced Ramsgate deep into their own half for long periods of time but it was Ramsgate who had the first real chance of the half when Joe Kane tested Jack Delo with a stinging shot. Herne Bay took the lead in the 17th minute when Danny Williams out paced the Rams defence before lobbing the advancing Ramsgate custodian Luke Watkins .

Five minutes later Danny almost doubled his own tally when he burst through a static Ramsgate defence but his shot was superbly saved by Watkins. Ramsgate started to get into the game and on 25 minutes Alfie Paxman should have done better when he slammed the ball wide when well placed and a minute later a Tom Chapman shot was well saved by Jack Delo. Ramsgate were constantly thwarted by the Herne Bay defence during the first half and were also being worried by the pace of Danny Williams up front for the Bay, this forward play made sure that the Rams did not get the upper hand during the first half.

Herne Bay started the second half in a more confident style, spraying the ball around and constantly getting behind the Rams defence. On 51 minutes Mark Lovell was unlucky to see his effort saved by Watkins after a great solo run and shot. In the 55th minute Ramsgate squandered a good chance when Luke Wheatherly headed wide from 10 yards following a free kick. Further chances fell to the Bay with Danny Williams and Joe Nelder both going close, only last ditch defending kept them out.
On 76 minutes Bay Manager Sam Denly made an inspired change, bringing on Kane Phillip for Joe Nelder, who was being troubled by a groin strain. Within two minutes Kane gave the Bay a 2-0 lead when he was put through from mid-field, darted down the inside left channel before cutting in and slotted the ball under Watkins.

Herne Bay played out the final 10 minutes without a scare and at the final whistle three valuable points were in Santa's sack. This was a good display from the Herne Bay lads with all the players giving 100% and in particular Gary Sayer shone through as Man of the Match.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Chris Elliott, Ben Gorham, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder, Joe Nelder (Kane Phillip 76) , Danny Williams, Mark Lovell (James Turner 59), Taser Hassan.

Subs not used: Josh Algar, Femi Apantaku, Toby Wood.

Man of the Match: Gary Sayer