The usual 'cut and thrust' local derby between Herne Bay and Whitstable Town on Easter Monday was sadlly missing at Winch's Field. With both teams playing well under par as they ground out a 1-1 draw in front of this season's best League gate of 444.

The Oystermen looked the better side through out the first half and deserved the 1-0 score line at half time, thanks to a goal from Buster Smissen. Herne Bay were the better side in the second half and equalised through Billy Bennett. The Oystermen were left hanging on at the final whistle.

Whitstable started the first half well with a strong wind behind them and the Buster Smissen/James Everitt pairing up front really tested Bay's back four but it was Herne Bay that had the first chance when
James Turner latched on to a cross from Rhys Lawson only for keeper Dean Ruddy to get down well to smother his effort.

Two minutes later Bay's keeper, Luke Nalder had to be on his toes following a sharp free kick from James Everitt holding the ball well.
On 10 minutes a crunching tackle on Sam Bewick, left him in agony and was carried off the pitch for treatment.

Whitstable took full advantage of this by taking the lead after a great cross from Jake Beecroft was met by Smissen who powered a header into the top corner giving Nalder absolutely no chance. With a little more luck Bay could have equalised in the 20th minute when James Turner fired in only to see Tom Axford head the ball off the goal line and away to safety.

Whitstable had the upper hand and only a fantastic, diving save from Nalder, turning Beecroft's close range header wide of the upright kept the Oystermen out. In the 27th minute Nalder again produced a fine save, tipping over a Beecroft free kick. Herne Bay had another couple of chance before the half time whistle both falling to Byron Walker who
shot wide on both occasions.

Herne Bay started the second half with more gusto and started to pen back the Oystermen but in the 55th minute it nearly went all wrong when Nathan Eastwood lost the ball in the Bay area and as he tried to retrieve the ball scythed down Scott Heard. Referee, Mr Paul Kelly pointed to the spot. Upped stepped Michael Everitt who blasted the ball against the cross bar and away to safety. This was the turning point of the game as Bay responded by forcing Whitstable to defend deep.

The game became scrappy and both teams made changes in the 60th minute with Joe Nelder replacing Ben Brown and Jake McKenzie coming on for James Morrish. This allowed Bay more dominance in mid-field and 10 minutes later Bay restored parity when Bewick's replacement, Billy Bennett latched on to a loose clearance and slammed the ball in through a crowded area into the back of the net.

Dean grant replaced James Turner and for the final 10 minutes Herne Bay pushed for the winner; Chances were squandered when Grant mis-kicked in front of goal, 6 yards out and Lawson had a good shot well saved by Ruddy in the final minute. But at the end of the day, a 1-1 score line was a fair reflection of the game.

Team; Nalder Eastwood McGeehan Sayer Bryant Bewick M.Turner Brown J.Turner Walker Lawson

Subs; Lloyd Nelder Bennett Grant Okundalaiye.