Herne Bay: Earle, Osinfolari, Judd, E Smith, Friend, Carrington, Reid, Haysman, Salako, Rowland (Kuchkov ’90), Ndozid (Hill ’66)
Subs Unused: Salmon, Roberts, Bowman
Yellow Cards: none

An improved performance from Herne Bay saw us earn an important point away at Sheppey United. Bay’s dominance in possession and territory frustrated the home fans, but we couldn’t turn it into goals.

In a dramatic ending, Bay will feel aggrieved after having a 90th-minute goal ruled out. Kane Haysman’s cross found Mike Salako at the far post, whose downward header was blocked by Sheppey’s keeper, Aiden Prall. Josh Reid buried the rebound, sliding in ahead of the defender. However, in a baffling decision, the goal was ruled offside—despite a Sheppey defender clearly playing Salako onside near Haysman. Perhaps the assistant referee struggled to see with bright sunlight shining directly into his eyes.

Sheppey United also had their best moment in stoppage time when Dan Bradshaw’s header skimmed the Herne Bay crossbar.

Bay’s defence was notably strengthened by the midweek signing of versatile full-back Myles Judd from Ramsgate. Harley Earle was only troubled once in the first half, making a vital double save on the stroke of halftime. The energy and control shown by midfielders Haysman, Ethan Smith, Jordy Ndozid, and Alfie Hill were particularly encouraging. With Scott Heard’s suspension now completed, Bay can take further confidence moving forward.

Just five minutes in, after a misplaced pass from Theo Osinfolarin, Liam Friend had to work hard to hold off Joel Wakefield, allowing Earle to collect the ball. Bay then won a series of corners, the best chance falling to Haysman, whose shot was blocked by a defender.
Twenty minutes in, Reid broke quickly and found Salako, who set the ball back for Osinfolarin. His cross wasn’t dealt with by the Sheppey defenders, and the ball reached Kane Rowland 12 yards out. Rowland’s first-time left-footed shot was parried by Prall and eventually cleared.

Reid was heavily involved down Bay’s right flank. After flicking the ball over Joseph Ganiwa near the byline, his cross caused panic, dropping onto the crossbar in a crowded penalty area. However, the ball was adjudged to have gone out of play before hitting the bar.
In the 26th minute, Ethan Smith’s pass set up Rowland, whose shot from inside the area went wide of the post. Soon after, Haysman couldn’t get a shot off when Reid provided another opening. Rowland’s lofted cross deceived Prall, who completely missed an attempted punch, but no Bay players were close enough to capitalize.

The second half followed a similar pattern—Bay controlling possession but rarely troubling the Sheppey goalkeeper. Ndozid, making a quick return to his former club, was injured and replaced by Hill in the 66th minute, with Haysman pushed further forward.

In the 72nd minute, Haysman won a strong challenge and played the ball to Smith, who struck a well-hit effort from 22 yards, but it sailed over the crossbar.

Artem Kushkov came on for Rowland as Bay pushed for a winner. For a moment, it looked like they had found it—Salako found space in the box after a pass from Haysman, but his shot flew into the side netting.

That chance came before Bay’s disallowed goal and Sheppey’s only real opportunity of the game. For the second time this season, Bay left Sheppey with a goalless draw.

Next Fixtures:
Saturday 8th March 14:00, home v AFC Croydon Athletic (Isthmian South East)
Tuesday 11th March 19:45, away at Erith Town (Isthmian South East)