Herne Bay 50’s continued the defence of their Kent league title away to Woodnesborough Youth 50’s. Both teams undefeated up to now with the home team top of the league having played more games than HB. The first half was even to start with both keepers making some good saves. Andy Long in goal for HB was tested but comfortably dealt with the Woodnesborough attacks. HB slowly started to control the game with shots from Conrad Sage-Hoff and Danny Kimber bringing the best out of the home keeper. HB scored first after Neil Edmonds played out from defence to captain Simon Brooks who after beating his marking quickly found Steve Rumball, he turned and passed inside to the oncoming left foot of Kimber who volleyed passed the home keeper. 1-0 to the Bay. Shortly after Kimber was replaced with Martin Lamb because of injury. HB were awarded a penalty 5 minutes later after Woodnesborough had accumulated 4 running offences, Sage-Hoff took up the challenge and struck the ball into the bottom left corner, giving the home keeper no chance. 2-0 HB. HB keep pushing forward, Lamb next to get a shot away only to see it slip just wide. The rest of the half finished with the Bay in control.
Second half Woodnesborough made several changes finding their feet with lots of pressure on the HB defence. Long in the Bay goal holding strong. HB seemed to lose their rhythm letting the home team get back into the game after some sloppy passing. Long given little chance from a shot at close range. 2-1 to the Bay. Shortly after the Bay goal was breached again giving Long no chance after a fine shot into the roof of the goal. 2-2. This seemed to wake the Bay up and they became more controlled and pushed forward for the winner. Brooks won the ball in midfield, passed to Rumball on to Sage-Hoff who turned his marker and let off a left foot shot in off the post. Jubilant Bay celebrated only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foot infringement on the goal keeper’s area line. The game finished shortly after with the honours shared. 2-2. A good HBFC performance only marred by a sleepy ten minute spell in the second half. MOM, Sage-Hoff. There were many good performances but he made very few mistakes and scored two goal only to have one harshly disallowed. Overall a great team performance but left disappointed with the draw.
Squad.
Andy Long
Neil Edmonds
Danny Kimber
Simon Brooks
Conrad Sage-Hoff
Steve Rumball
Martin Lamb
Unused subs
Steve Farbrace
Neill Willett