Herne Bay’s preparations for the coming Isthmian League Premier Division season continue Tuesday evening with a trip to South Central Division side Chipstead.

Following back-to-back victories against Tooting & Mitcham United and Abbey Rangers, Ben Smith’s side have now registered two losses in a row, falling to a 3-1 defeat against Sheppey United before surrendering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at the hands of Ramsgate on Saturday.

In the most recent meeting outing at The WW Martin Community Stadium, two well taken goals from Rodney Adamon-Eruotor put Ben Smith’s side ahead at the break.

Minutes after the restart, Jordan Chiedozie reduced the Bay’s lead to one with a powerfully struck free-kick that left Patrick Ohman with little chance.

Josh Ajayi soon levelled things up on the hour mark with a close-range finish as Ramsgate continued to apply pressure on the visitors’ goal.

And the visitors completed the comeback with ten minutes to spare when Ajayi bagged his second of the game following another dangerous free-kick.

With our season opener against Potters Bar Town now just three weeks away, preparations continue to ramp up against a side with eyes on a play-off push.

The Opposition

Our opponents were established in 1906 after a team was formed by locals to play workers building Netherne Hospital. In 1962 the club joined the Surrey Intermediate League, where they played until joining the new Surrey Premier League in 1982. They were subsequently runners-up on three occasions and won the League Cup three times.

In 1986, Tuesday evening’s hosts moved up to the Combined Counties League. They won the league's Challenge Trophy in the first season and went on to win the title in 1989–90. They were runners-up the following season won the Challenge Trophy again in 1990–91.

The 1992–93 season saw Chipstead finish as runners-up and win the Premier Division Challenge Cup, with the Challenge Cup won again in 1994–95. They were league runners-up again the following season. After winning the league for a second time in 2006–07 the club were promoted to Division One South of the Isthmian League.

The club play at High Road, which was originally part of the Shabden Park Farm estate owned by Lord Marshall. After World War II, players changed in a cow shed until a new hut was brought in from Hookwood.

The ground was bought from the local council in 1998. A 100-seat stand was erected in 2004 to replace an old wooden stand. There is also covered standing for 150 installed behind one goal. The ground currently has a capacity of 2,000, of which 150 is seated and 200 covered.

Key Players

Andy Somo (Forward) – Chipstead’s top scorer last season.

Chris Boulter (Defender) – A rock at the back for Tuesday’s hosts.

Kieran Lavery (Midfield) – The captain of the ship at the NRT Stadium.

Last time we met

The last time we faced Chipstead FC was back on 26 August 2017. On that occasion, goals from Danny Leonard, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner, and Jake Embery saw Herne Bay to a 3-1 win.

That particular season saw the Bay finish 12th with 21 wins, five draws, and 20 losses to their name.

On the other hand, our hosts finished up in 20th with 12 wins, 10 draws, and 24 losses.