Herne Bay Line-Up
Starting XI: Coleman, Sessegnon, Rowland, Tyrie, Wyborn, Christian-Law (Davies 81’), Brand, Haysman (Oliver 67’), Ababio (McFarlane 80’), Bloomfield, Smith (Heard 67’)

Unused Subs: Underdown, Procopi, Rogers

Yellow Cards: Christian-Law, Rowland
Player of the Match: Harvey Brand
Referee: Nicholas Bone
________________________________________
A New Era Begins
With only one player in the starting eleven who featured in last season’s final game, it’s been a tremendous effort by new manager Liam Friend and his team to rebuild after a difficult campaign. Following an encouraging pre-season, Bay travelled confidently to Hollands & Blair for the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round — the first competitive fixture of the 2025/26 season.

An injury during the warm-up to Kamani McFarlane forced a reshuffle, with Rhys Wyborn stepping in and Frankie Smith pushed further forward.
________________________________________
⚔️ First Half: Missed Chances and Defensive Grit
Bay’s first nervy moment came in the 4th minute when former player Harry Linch’s shot led to shouts for handball, but the referee waved play on. A neat exchange between Harvey Brand and Alfie Bloomfield earned a corner, but it came to nothing.

Wyborn endured some rough treatment from Blair’s midfield, and from one free kick, captain Tyler Christian-Law played short to Smith, whose cross was easily claimed by keeper Dan Ellis.

In the 15th minute, Bay were handed a golden opportunity. A clever touch from Chris Sessegnon released Bloomfield into the box, only to be brought down by Luke Exall. The referee pointed straight to the spot. After a tense delay, Kane Haysman stepped up — but his powerful strike was at a comfortable height for Ellis, who parried. Haysman’s follow-up flew agonisingly over the bar.

Blair responded with renewed energy, and in the 29th minute Ian Draycott rattled the crossbar after capitalising on slack defending. Bay nearly broke the deadlock two minutes later when Brand stretched for a Wyborn free kick but couldn’t quite connect.

Coleman remained largely untested until the 32nd minute, when he confidently claimed a flicked header from Kristian Wigg following a wide free kick. Despite some promising moments, Bay’s wingers struggled to find space, and the half ended goalless.
________________________________________
⚡️ Second Half: A Cruel Blow
Just two minutes after the restart, disaster struck. A misjudged header from Rowland allowed Draycott in behind, and he stayed composed under pressure to slot low past Coleman into the left corner — from the attacker’s viewpoint.

Bay nearly responded immediately. Wyborn and Brand combined well, and Wyborn’s shot to the right was narrowly wide. Brand continued to drive the team forward, rescuing a dangerous moment after another defensive lapse.

In the 57th minute, Bloomfield’s early strike was scooped wide of the right post by Ellis. The resulting corner was overhit, but Brand remained central to Bay’s attacking efforts. A clever backheel freed Christian-Law, whose long pass found Ababio. His cross reached Haysman, but the finish was wide of the near post.

Substitute Scott Heard injected fresh energy in the 66th minute, and Rowland was booked shortly after for persistent fouling. Shots from Brand and Ababio flew over, while Draycott missed a chance to double Blair’s lead.

As time ran out, Bay threw everything forward — even sending Coleman up — but Blair’s defence held firm. The final whistle confirmed Bay’s exit from the FA Cup at the first hurdle.
________________________________________
Upcoming Fixtures
• Saturday 9th August, 15:00 – Hassocks (Away)
• Tuesday 12th August, 18:45 – Sheppey United (Home)
________________________________________