Tooting & Mitcham spoilt Herne Bay's debut in the Ryman League by scoring the only goal of the game in the 87th minute when Joseph Acquah crashed home an unstoppable shot past Bay's custodian Dan Eason.
Herne Bay were left to rue the many missed chances that went begging through out the match. For the opening period Bay attacked with Michael Turner giving Tooting fall back Nathan Simpson a roasting
down the left and Rhys Lawson getting the better of Jordan Wilson on the right.

Tooting's keeper, Darren Bechet was in fine form, saving well from James Campbell and Dan Williams in the 10th and 11th minutes. On 18 minutes Marvin Farrell gave Herne Bay a real scare when he raced down
the left before firing across the face of the goal fortunately for Bay no one was on hand to knock it in.

Tooting had a couple of chances on the half hour but Acquah and Solomon Pinnock both fluffed their opportunities, allowing Eason the easiest of collections.

In the 35th minute good interplay between Turner and Williams resulted in a cross for George Landais, but he fired into the side netting. Two minutes later the same combination almost put Bay in front but
Bechet saved Landais shot well.

Then minutes before the interval, Williams was brought down in the area but to the amazement of all the referee waved play on. Tooting counter attacked and only a brilliant diving save from Eason, turning
Wilson's thunderous drive over the bar prevented the visitors from taking the lead.

Tooting started the second half applying real pressure on Bay's defence. Acquah had a good chance but skyed his effort high over the bar from 10yards.

Back came Bay with Williams rushing through Tooting's defence to go one on one with Bechet but he hit his shot was straight at the keeper.
On 50 minutes new signing, Andy Irvine, came on for his Herne Bay debut, and this substitution had an instant effect. First he put Landais away but his shot was well saved by Bechet.

Two minutes later Irvine put Lawson through, but his stinging shot hit the post and bounced safely away.

Tooting were having more plaY and were finding it hard getting behind the Bay's back four. When they did Acquah and Pinnock both wasted good chances.

With 20 minutes remaining both managers made changes Sean Headley came off for Tooting and Dean Grant replaced Turner and Bradley King on for an injured Joe Nelder.

In the 80th minute Eason produced a great save from a point blank shot from Pinnock. Bay were showing signs of wilting in the oppressive heat, being forced back deep in their half

Then with 3 minutes left of normal time from a Lee Hall corner the ball fell to Acquah standing free within the box and he smashed the ball past Eason.

Bay pushed forward in search of parity but to no avail. Tooting left the field delighted to have secured all 3 points, but on the day Bay could rightly feel robbed of at least a point.

Avery impressive performance from Bay in their first game at this level and to be honest they looked the better side for most of the game.The finishing however must improve if they want to turn
their dominance into a victory.

team; Eason Nelder Bryant Campbell Hanson McGeeghan Sargeant Landais Lawson Turner(M) Williams
subs; King Irvine Grant.