Match Report

Ashford

Saturday 16th February 2019
Bostik Division One South East
Herne Bay 2 - 1 Ashford United
Att: 338
Goals: Schafer Sobowale

Herne Bay: Simon Overland, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner, Raphe Brown, Ben Gorham, Danny Rumbol, Callum Adonis-Taylor, , Bradley Schafer, Tom Carlton, Ronald Sobowale, Connor Wilkins Danny Leonard
Subs Used: Harry MIller (Leonard 49)
Subs not used: Danny Leonard Olalekan Bankole, Tahjae Anderson , Jake Embery
Mom: Simon Overland

The Herne Bay “spanner” undid the Nuts and Bolts in convincing style with only an injury time goal by Jay May to make the score line look more respectful.
Ashford had many chances in the first half to open the scoring but failed to capitalise on any of these, thanks to a number of fine saves from Simon Overland and some wayward shooting. Overland proved his worth by making two outstanding saves inside the first 15 minutes; preventing Sam Corne on both occasions.
The first opportunity however fell to Ronald Sobowale in the 3rd minute but he scuffed his shot giving keeper Sam Mott an easy pick up. Two minutes later Corne shoots wide of the upright from 10 yards. Corne’s next attempt bought out the first point blank save from Overland. Bay hit back with Raphe Brown
Racing down the left flank producing a fine cross which Bradley Schafer just failed to make a proper connection and the chance went begging. Overland was then Bay’s saviour again pushing a fierce drive around the post.
It was Danny Leonard’s turn to go on a mazy run from his own half he drifted past three Ashford
midfielders before putting a great cross into Schafer who made no mistake this time side footing wide of Mott to give Bay the lead. Tom Carlton was next to test the keeper but Mott saved diving full length to smother the shot. Bay continued to press and Connor Wilkins goes close but unfortunately hits his shot wide of the target.
As the game approached half time it was Overland again who produced a wonder one handed reflex save to prevent Ashford from drawing level just before the interval. This may have been the turning point of the game as if Ashford had scored the final result may well have been different.
With the second half only 5 minutes old Sobowale chased down a simple back pass, surprising Mott, dis-possessing him and flicking the ball over the line from a very tight angle.
Ashford threw everything at Bay in the second half but the defence stood firm. On 60 minutes Mott could only parry Wilkins fierce volley but Carlton following up failed to hit the target as the ball blazed over the bar. Then in the closing minutes Jay May pulled one back for the visitors although many thought it started from a foul on Overland as he was blocked from getting the ball and in doing so dropped the cross straight too the feet of May who made no mistake from 8 yards. It was too little too late and Bay held on as worthy winners.