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Match Report: Tooting & Mitcham United 0 Herne Bay 1 (09/07/22)

Match Report: Tooting & Mitcham United 0 Herne Bay 1 (09/07/22)

Edward Painter9 Jul 2022 - 22:33
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The Bay kick off pre-season campaign with 1-0 win over Tooting & Mitcham United.

Herne Bay kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 1-0 win against Tooting & Mitcham United, courtesy of Lanre Azeez’s first half strike.

The former Glebe midfielder edged the Bay ahead with just over 10 minutes on the clock, turning Eddie Allsopp’s cross home from close range.

Mike West almost doubled the lead shortly before half time, but his delicate effort clipped the crossbar before being cleared by the home defence.

In scorching temperatures, the visitors looked to put the game to bed, with midfielder Kane Phillip forcing the home ‘keeper into a spectacular save midway through the second period.

But the Bay looked in control and despite a handful of chances for Tooting, they never looked like conceding before the ref brought the game to a close.

Ahead of a debut season in the Isthmian League Premier Division, Ben Smith’s side wasted no time in putting their stamp on the game when, in the 11th minute, they forced their way ahead.

Some good build-up play resulted in Allsopp getting the ball at his feet and needing no second invitation, he worked himself into position to get a cross into the box, one which Azeez was on hand to turn home smartly from close range.

The hosts looked to respond immediately and only five minutes later, their number eight took aim from just outside the penalty area, only for his shot to clear the crossbar.

Herne Bay were being put under pressure as the first half went along, with Jordan Perrin pulling off a fine save on the half hour mark to preserve the visitors’ lead.

However, the Bay kept playing on the front foot and in the 38th minute, they were desperately unlucky to not double their advantage.

Signing permanently for the club over the summer, West looked as though he had extended the Bay's lead with a delicate chip over the home ‘keeper, only for the ball to hit the crossbar before it was eventually cleared.

Punishment for that unfortunate miss almost came just before the break. Having watched a long-range effort comfortably sail well wide of goal, Perrin was forced to make another top save when the home forward broke through on goal.

Tooting came out firing in the second half and with 50 minutes on the clock, Daniel Johnson was in the right place at the right time to throw is body on the line to block an attempt on goal.

Throughout the game, Marcel Barrington was proving to be a thorn in the Tooting & Mitcham side, with his physicality and presence opening the hosts up on several occasions. One instance saw the forward muscle the ball off a home player before dribbling through a sea of legs, only to see his shot dribble agonisingly wide of the bottom corner.

Herne Bay almost made good use of the extra space created by Barrington when, in the 70th minute, Phillip worked the ball into the Tooting penalty area before unleashing a ferocious shot which looked destined for the top corner. Somehow, the home ‘keeper managed to get his fingers to that effort, tipping the ball onto the post.

Clear cut chances were few and far between for either side as the game entered its final stages but moments before the ref blew his whistle, Philip had another golden chance to seal the deal. After bursting through on goal, his shot was dealt with by a Tooting ‘keeper that was kept busy throughout.

One extra positive note for the Bay was talented prospect Archie Hatcher who, at only 16 years of age, was handed his first team debut. He certainly didn’t look out of place when he came on in the second half and more than held his own.

Full Time: Tooting and Mitcham United 0 Herne Bay 1

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