Today, we faced a Minster side that challenged us last season for the league. The last game at their ground saw us draw 0-0 which was a fiery encounter and felt like a derby match. Today was very much the same, and tackles were flying in from the off. Minster clearly trying to stop us playing.

However, we started the better team, creating some early chances and dominating possession.

About 15 mins into the game, we were rewarded when Zac slid the ball in at the back post after some good build-up play.

With Juliani called up to the U18s today Anton was asked to play up top and his persistent pressing and hardwork was rewarded 5 mins later as he forced a mistake from the Minster keeper, the keeper kicking the ball against Anton rebounding into the net. 2 nil.

Minster then came close an effort from outside the box flying towards the bottom corner, bobbling up in front of the outstretched Will at the last second, who managed to adapt and divert the ball away with his top hand.

10 mins before half time, Zac burst into the box between two defenders and was wiped out as he was about to pull the trigger. A clear penalty.... the boys seemed to pause for a moment, convinced the ref was giving the right decision.... nope, the ref waves play on. Minister launched the ball forward, which is picked up by their winger crossed low into the box and tapped. 1-2.

The boys looked stunned, as did both sets of parents and coaches on the sidelines. That was completely against the run of play when Herne Bay was looking more comfortable in the game.

Henry came close twice before the break with some intelligent runs into the box and some good deliveries from Zac and Jack Heaton.

Owen also came close, making a good run into the area only to be bundled over as he was about to shoot, but again, the ref waved play on.

Half-time 1-2 game on.

The 2nd half continued in the same fashion as the first Minster kicking long and trying to disrupt our play anyway they could.

Barnaby, Ferdi, and Canron were introduced halfway through the 2nd half, and with fresh legs, they had an instant impact on the balance of the game.

Jack O, Barnaby, and Cameron linking up nicely down the right, putting in some dangerous balls into the box, which we were unable to covert.

Ferdi was then slipped through by Jack H 1 on 1 and did everything right shaking off the defenders, but he was denied by the on rushing keeper.

Minster kept on trying to send balls long, but our defence and midfield stood strong. Charlie, Ollie and Will mopping up any long balls from Minster. FT 1-2

Overall, it was a scrapppy performance but a good 3 points in the circumstances. Hopefully, the return leg on our 4G will allow for a better game.

Goal Scorers

Zac x1
Anton x1