Bay leave Leylands Park empty handed

RYMAN DIVISION ONE SOUTH
BURGESS HILL TOWN 2-0 HERNE BAY
Tuesday 16th April

After a very impressive first half display Herne Bay fell away to lose to two second half strikes from their hosts.

Bay created all the chances early on, forcing Town to defend deep. James Turner missed a golden opportunity as early as the 4th minute; Dean Grant's low cross was, somehow lifted over the bar from inside two yards. Undeterred Bay pushed forward. Calum McGeehan went close with a free kick after Byron Walker was unceremoniously brought down just outside the area. This was the only infringement in the first half which didn't bring a caution from a rather over-zealous official. Five bookings followed in the space of twenty five first half minutes. Three for Bay, two for the Hillians.

It took Burgess Hill 20 minutes before they made their first threat on Luke Prentice's goal and their forward, like Turner, hooked the ball over the bar from close range. Despite all their pressure Bay just couldn't force a save out of the keeper. Frantic action at both ends just before the interval with Bay creating the best two chances. McGeehan's tremendous cross field pass set Michael Turner away down the left. His cross being cleared off the line as brother James desperately tried to get a touch. Next a long throw from Joe Nelder into the area fell to James Campbell, but unfortunately he just couldn't get the ball out from under his feet and his effort rolled harmlessly wide, the wrong side of the upright.

Burgess Hill won their first corner in the final minute of the half and they nearly scored as a fierce volley whistled inches over the bar. A good first half with Bay looking good.

The second half however was completely different. Burgess Hill, with a double substitution of their two cautioned players, came out a different side and within four minutes of the restart went ahead. Their leading goal scorer, Pat Harding smashing home from close range after Bay failed to clear a corner kick. This spurred them on and it was now Bay's turn to defend deep. Their wide player, Max Miller was causing real problems with his speed down the right flank. His crosses into the box were always dangerous, forcing Bay into frantic defensive clearances. Bay had only had one real chance, falling to Walker in the 65th minute, but he blazed his shot over the bar.

Burgess Hill hit back immediately and only a fine save from Prentice, turning a vicious shot around the upright. From the corner the Hillians scored their second goal; replicating their first. This time, right back, Sam Fisk volleyed home from close range, again from a corner kick. This effectively ended the game as a contest and Burgess Hill ran out deserved winners.

Att: 127

Team: Prentice, Sayer, Bryant, McGeehan, Campbell, Nelder, Brown, Grant, Walker, J Turner, M Turner
Subs used: Eastwood (Bryant 49 mins) Agbajae (Walker 70 mins) Okundalaiye (J Turner 71 mins)
Not used: Lloyd, Bennett