Bay Bag First Point

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
Tuesday 13th August 2013
Attendance: 156

Sam Denly’s Herne Bay could count themselves unlucky not to have picked up all three points from this first away fixture of the new season with the home side riding their luck in the second half. There was just one change to the side that lost on the opening day with Joe Nelder coming in for Dean Grant.

Utd started and finished brightly but the balance of play was won by the Bay. Kay Osei had early chances for Tooting & Mitcham but first failed to capitalise when Delo spilled Sawyer’s shot in the fifth minute then saw Delo save his header five minutes later.

Herne Bay did have the ball in the net on 25 when Connor Sander’s long throw was touched in by a defender only for the referee to blow for a push on the ‘keeper. A minute later Smith, between the sticks for Utd, pulled off a good save to deny Sam Hasler, touching a rasping shot over the bar. With the half drawing to a close, Sol Pinnock was one on one with Delo but shot straight at him.

After the turnaround, Utd again started the brighter but their wing play, although outflanking the Bay defence, was not rewarded. Gaining in confidence, Bay pressed and Sam Hasler went close when his 30 yard effort went just over the bar. The introduction of Kane Phillip again added pace. Jordan Casey brought a fine save from Smith on the hour after a good run from Phillip. Casey shot wide from Nelder’s left wing forage, then on 66 Phillip’ shot from just 6 yards out was scrambled off the line.

Twice in the 74th minute, Utd’s defenders sliced attempted clearances that might have led to own goals and twice on 84, Smith pulled off saves from Lawrence and Hasler. This was an improved performance from the Bay with several players learning from their experiences at this higher level.

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Nathan Eastwood, Gary Sayer, Connor Sanders, Joe Kennett, Sam Hasler, Joe Nelder, Danny Lawrence, Jordan Casey (James Turner 68), Michael Turner (Kane Phillip 58).
Subs not used: Tom Axford, Dean Grant, Jamie O’Connell