Simon Halsey kept faith in the line up that defeated Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup. His faith was well placed as Herne Bay overcame a tough examination from Walton & Hersham to record a 2-1 victory. This was Bay’s first Home, league win and Walton & Hersham’s first away league defeat of the season.

The first half was 'nip and tuck' with both sides playing some good football but goal chances were at a premium. The first fell to the 'Swans' when Graham Purdy's 40 yard free kick was headed clear by Steven Lloyd in the 10th minute. Five minute's later Lloyd was in action at the other end, heading inch's over from a Tom Bryant free kick. Bay had a scare on 20 minutes when Gary Sayer lost the ball to Walton's Tajbakish but his run ended with him firing into the side netting.

As the half progressed Bay became more dominant with Josh Sergeant and Dan Wisker dominating mid-field and Calum McGeeghan and Lloyd, solid in the heart of defence.

On the half hour, Dean Grant, who was having a tough physical battle down the left flank, turned two Walton defenders inside out before shooting just past the post with keeper, Sheikh Ceesay well beaten. Further chances fell to both sides but both defences of held solid to ensure a goal-less first half.

The game came to life early in the second half. Bay should have taken the lead on 48 minutes when Grant ran down the left and put over a near perfect cross that Wisker headed over from 10 yards. A minute later and Swans had a good chance of breaking the deadlock, when Nathan Eastwood lost possession in mid-field and Harold Odemetey ran through but shot well wide with only Eason to beat.

Then, In the 58th minute,following a Tom Bryant free kick, James Turner was left totally unmarked 2 yards out of goal and rose to back head the ball past Ceesay to give Bay a deserved lead. Three minutes later Bay were 2-0 up, Bryant drilled in a low free kick which hjt defender Dan Sintin, deflecting off his shin past his own keeper.

Halsey decided this was a perfect time for a change and brought on Andy Irvine for James Turner, James left the field to a standing ovation. The visitors then realised they had to up their game if they were to take anything from their visit.

Eason was brought into action in the 68th minute when he saved a stinging low shot fired in by Odemetey. Four minutes later, following a period of exerted pressure, Walton pulled a goal back following a goal mouth scramble. Eason brilliantly blocked a point blank shot from Phil Williams, but Williams was first to react and rose to head the rebound wide of the keeper. Following this goal, Rob Storrie, signed from Greenwich Morton, made his Herne Bay debut with Dan Williams making way.

Walton & Hersham were now in full swing, pressing for for the equaliser, setting siege on Bay’s goal. McGeeghan and Lloyd both being forced into goal line clearances and Bryant forced out of the game in a dazed state, after being hit in the face following a thunderbolt free kick. ,Joe Nelder replaced him for the last 10 minutes. Eason saved from Williams and Purdy before the Referee brought the game to a close, much to the delight of the Bay players and fans alike.

Att: 220

Team: Eason, Sayer, Bryant, Lloyd, McGeehan, Sergeant, Eastwood, Wisker, J Turner, Williams, Grant
Subs used: Nelder (Bryant 85 min) Irvine (Turner J 63 min) Storrie (Williams 74 min)
Not used: Landais, Raggett

MOM: Josh Sergeant