Today the boys faced Roseacre Rangers in the cup — a side we knew little about, other than the fact they had won 3 out of 3 in their league so far.

Ten minutes in, Will had a great chance, almost converting a header from a great cross by Danny.

Another ten minutes later, Toby unleashed a rocket from the edge of the box which rattled the crossbar.

A minute after that, Dontae burst through one-on-one and lobbed the keeper, but his effort dropped just over the bar.

Roseacre then had a rare chance in the box, their striker shooting from six yards out, but the boys threw themselves in front of it to block.

Herne Bay began to settle into the game and dominate possession, but Roseacre were making it difficult and working hard off the ball.

Around the 40-minute mark, Toby — who was running the show — went close again from distance. His effort was spilled by the keeper, but Will couldn’t convert the follow-up from a tight angle.

Juliani made way for Stefan, who was making his debut, and he looked to make an immediate impact. He danced down the left before cutting inside and threading a delightful through ball to Will, whose shot was saved by the keeper.

Just before half-time, we had a flurry of chances. Thiago played a great ball into the area which was met by Toby on the volley, but it was saved. Dontae then attempted an audacious overhead kick which the keeper did well to stop. Moments later, he made a strong run through the middle before pulling it back to Charlie on the edge of the box, but his effort was also saved.

Despite plenty of chances, the boys just couldn’t find the back of the net.

Half-time: 0–0

The boys came back out determined to continue where they left off, with Will winning two corners through his efforts against the defenders.

Finally, within the first five minutes of the second half, the deadlock was broken. Juliani smashed the ball through a crowd of players and into the net after Danny found him at the back post with a cross.

Fifteen minutes into the second half and Will made a strong run down the right wing and crossed to Stefan, who calmly converted his half-volley past the keeper to make it 2–0.Dontae added a third after good work from Danny down the right, who found Dontae on the edge of the box. He smashed the ball into the far corner.

Roseacre looked tired but kept trying to respond, however, Ollie, Charlie, Sam, Danny, Thiago and Will in goal were solid at the back.

Charlie Keate then made it 4–0 with a sensational run, dancing past several players before smashing his effort into the far corner from ten yards out — a definite contender for goal of the season.

Will’s hard work was rewarded when he got his goal to make it 5–0. Juliani’s effort was saved by the keeper, but Will followed up on the loose ball and slotted home.

Full-time: 5–0

A dominant performance and onto the next round. The boys are really starting to look more like a team now.