Chipstead V Herne Bay

Herne Bay extended their unbeaten Ryman run to five games with this fightback performance in Surrey thanks to a sumptuous Dean Grant volley and a stoppage time strike from James Turner. Both had come on as substitutes during the second period having seen the Bay struggle in the opening half. Former Stoke City striker, Jordan Tunji, had started the game lively but then faded as Bay played a mostly long ball game that denied him the midfield service that he needed to make best use of his obvious talents. With Josh Sargeant unavailable former Morton player, Robert Storrie, started in the middle of the park but when he had to depart as a result of a crunching tackle on the half way line in the 24th minute Chipstead dominated the middle third. Connor French hit the post with a rasping shot from the edge of the area and then put Chipstead in front on the half hour mark following his mazy left wing run before cutting inside Gary Sayer and unleashing a right foot rasper past Eason. Although the home side had much the better of the first 45, Bay were encouraged by Calum McGeehan’s strike 10 minutes before the break that brought an outstanding save out of Buss in the Chipstead goal who launched himself toward the angle of left post and crossbar to deny what would have been the Bay defender’s third goal in as many matches.

Jordan Tunji made way for Dean Grant on 62 and he made an immediate impact on the right wing before Chipstead doubled their advantage six minute later when Gordon was permitted too much time and space in Herne Bay’s penalty area and was allowed to pick his spot to score. The introduction of Grant allowed Bay to move to a 4-3-3 formation with Michael Turner playing inside. Now Bay started to play the more fluid football that has become evident this season and began to claw their way back into the match with a pleasing passing display that eventually bore fruit. Dean Grant barged Herne Bay back into the game when he volleyed superbly in the 74th minute from Rhys Lawson’s left wing cross. That goal was later described by Bay Manager, Simon Halsey, somewhat understatedly maybe, as “a great goal.” The hard working Danny Williams was replaced by James Turner 12 minutes from the end of normal time as Chipstead sat back seeking to defend their single goal advantage. This surprising tactic allowed Bay to run at the home defence and their never say die persistence was rewarded 3 minutes into added time when James Turner turned the centre half to stroke home from the edge of the penalty area. Cue ecstatic celebrations!

Herne Bay manager, Simon Halsey, said afterwards, “I’d set a target of 15 points from the first 10 games, we’ve got 13 from 9 now, the ‘newbies’ are doing alright!” They are, indeed! This result put them into 5th place in what will be a tight league this season, just 2 points from the top. This Herne Bay side are nothing if not resilient.

Herne Bay: Dan Eason, Gary Sayer, Tom Bryant, Calum McGeehan, Steve Lloyd, Robert Storrie (Nathan Eastwood 24), Michael Turner, Dan Wisker, Jordan Tunji (Dean Grant 62), Danny Williams (James Turner 78), Rhys Lawson. Subs not used: Joe Nelder, Andy Irvine.