Herne Bay: George Kamurasi, Ryan Cooper, Mohamed Kamara, Laurence Harvey, Dan Johnson, Dan Lawrence, Zac Ansah, Dean Grant, Antony Edgar, Mobolaji Dawodu, Bradley Stevenson
Subs Used: Tushaun-Tyreese Walters (Stevenson 75) Tom Carlton (Lawrence 78) Callum Adonis-Taylor (Dawodu 84)
Subs Not Used: Kyron Lightfoot, Dan Colmer

We saw the old Herne Bay back today, the team produced a performance that took us into the play-off position last season, against a strong Vickers side. VCD had started the season brilliantly, winning their first four league games, and sitting proudly at the top of the table, despite losing their first game last week. But today was a cup tie and the game lived up to expectations, in terms of quality and end to end football.
Bay started the game strongly, attacking straight from the off, but despite getting a free kick on the edge of the area, in the opening minute, Edgar blasted the ball high over the bar. VCD looked very dangerous, with the super quick, Anthony Adesite causing most of the problems throughout the half. Although Bay’s defence, today, remained composed; snuffing out most VCD attacks and then with swift counter-attacks, forcing the hosts to defend in numbers.

The first real chance fell to Bay in the 23rd minute; Zak fought off the challenge of two defenders to get his shot away, but into the side netting, This was followed by Edgar drilling a shot across the face of the goal only to see it go just wide. Vickers hit back and forced a corner, from which, only frantic defending and a goal-line clearance maintained the status quo. It was cut and thrust from both sides, but Vickers were looking the most dangerous, although as the half drew to a close, Bay produced a full-blooded attack which nearly produced a goal. Six Bay players charging into the area and this time it was Vickers who were now frantically defending. Their goal-line clearance was cleared away but fell to Mo Kamara 20 yards out, whose fine volley was tipped over the bar by Nick Blue.

Bay started the second half even better than the first and were now causing VCD all sorts of problems with their quick passing, attacking play. This pressure told; following good work from Edgar and Zak, the ball found Bola free in the box and he made no mistake hammering home, to break the deadlock. VCD pushed hard for the equalizer, but the defence were looking very good and then probably the best goal will we see this season, when, Adesite hit a thunderous volley from fully 25 yards which hit the back of the net before George had even moved, to bring Vickers back into the game. Their delight at getting the equalizer was short-lived as straight from the restart Bay pushed forward with Bradley driving through the midfield. The ball was played out to the left before being sent into the crowded area where it fell to Edgar to place his low drive into the bottom corner to restore the lead.

Bay were buoyant and should have put the game out of reach when Deano broke through to go one on one with the keeper, but fired he shot straight at the advancing Blue and the chance was gone. It made no difference though as Bay safely saw out the closing minutes to gain a very good victory and with it, putting £2,250 into the club's coffers and a place in the 3rd Round of the competition which will be played on Saturday 31st October. The scheduled league game against Three Bridges will now be rescheduled.

Match report by John Bathurst