Herne Bay: Harry Brooks, Harrison Byford (Jacob Gilbert 39), Harry Brown (Michael Salako 32), Frankie Smith, Liam Friend (Danny Walder 44), Daniel Carrington, Gil Carvalho, Archie Burnett, Kane Rowland, Bola Dawodu, Theo Osinfolarin.
Goalscorer: Michael Salako
Yellow cards: Bola Dawodu, Danny Walder, Frankie Smith

Two draws followed by two wins and then two defeats this season, with one clean sheet and one game without scoring. Over the past four seasons Bay had won just twice from six FA Trophy outings and Leatherhead looked to be tough opponents. From seven league and cup games this season the Tanners had lost just once, and that was against Isthmian Premier opposition. It was time for Steve Lovell’s Herne Bay to reverse their fortunes.

The last thing that Bay needed though, coming up against the quickest and attack-minded side that they had met so far this season, and with Harrison Pont already out through suspension, was the defensive capabilities to be reduced even further. But that was exactly what happened with Harry Brown, Harrison Byford and Liam Friend all needing to be replaced before the first 45 minutes were up. Add to this Harry Brooks making his return debut replacing the ill Josh Bexon and it was a recipe for disaster.

On the hottest day so far this year the Tanners took the lead in the 19th minute when Dan Carrington missed the opportunity to clear a corner and Tyler Cox, who had made a brief 57-minute cameo appearance for Bay back in March 2022, shot into the top corner. Both sides had further opportunities; Leatherhead with the best, and Herne Bay went into the break with just a one goal deficit.

Bola Dawodu joined Dan Carrington in the centre of defence for the second period but were given a torrid time by the marauding visitors. Trey Masikini doubled Leatherhead’s advantage from six yards after Alpha Diallo worked the ball down to the by-line and delivered a fine cross nine minutes in. There was brief hope of a comeback three minutes later when Archie Burnett sent a probing centre into the visitors’ penalty area, Kane Rowland moved the ball on, and striker Michael Salako, on his debut, dispatched it from close range. From the hour mark it became the Trevan Robinson show, with Bay pressing forward in the faint chance of getting back into the game; Robinson netted four times to give Leatherhead an emphatic victory.

Overall, it was a disappointing display from Herne Bay, in front of a low crowd of 226, with the visiting supporters making most of the noise. Out of both national cup competitions Bay could now have two free Saturdays to recover and re-group with only a Velocity Cup tie at Sheppey in between.

Picture Credit - Ken Dixon