Bay Salvage a Point

Saturday 17th August 2013
Ryman Isthmian League Division One South
Att: 175

By Peter Guise

"I told the players at half time that the only way Worthing were going to get back in this game was if we let them," said Bay manager Sam Denly.

That is exactly what happened! Herne Bay were slow out of the blocks after the turnaround and defensive errors cost them dearly. A gentlemens’ excuse me gifted The Rebels an equaliser on 64, Connor Sanders prodding into his own net from 4 yards out through the legs of Delo. Kennett 13 minutes later fouled the Worthing forward following a lost the ball on the edge of the area from Axford, giving away a free kick that was struck sweetly by Gedling into the top corner of the net to give Worthing an unlikely lead.

It had all looked so much more comfortable for Herne Bay in the first period, a half they dominated and could have scored more than just Sam Hasler's 32nd minute 20 yard fizzer into the far corner after he had cut in from the right. Danny Lawrence lifted the ball over the bar in the 5th minute, attempting to place his shot rather than burst the nest, Hasler shot straight at the ‘keeper 60 seconds later and Joe Nelder’s rasping shot just before the break was turned over the bar. Worthing had their moments too with Delo saving with his feet at the foot of a post from Matt Daniel and O’Flaherty’s rasping drive cannoned off of Delo’s right hand post.

Then came those second half howlers before substitute James Turner saved his team-mates blushes by turning home in stoppage time from Hasler's right wing cross. Kane Phillip might have eased the anxiety had he not badly miscued on 71 but Bay’s fitness levels, markedly higher than last season, made sure they never stopped battling but in truth this match should have been put to bed in the first 45.

"We must learn quickly from our mistakes," said Denly," at this level, mistakes are punished harshly. We are moving in the right direction and should have had all 3 points today."

Herne Bay team: Jack Delo, Tom Axford (James Turner 78), Connor Sanders, Joe Kennett, Gary Sayer, Danny Lawrence, Joe Nelder, Danny Walder, Dean Grant (Kane Phillip 56), Sam Hasler, Jamie O’Connell (Jordan Casey 62).
Subs not used: Michael Turner, Adam Woolcott.

Man of the Match: Sam Hasler