Herne Bay U13s vs Whitstable U13s: Match Report
The highly anticipated local derby between Herne Bay U13s and Whitstable U13s took place at the Crest Stadium. Both teams came into the match in impressive form, making this fixture a difficult one to predict on paper. Before kick-off, both sides respectfully observed a two-minute silence in honour of fallen soldiers on Remembrance Sunday.
The match commenced at 12:32 pm with Whitstable getting the game underway. Herne Bay adopted a high pressing style, which initially made it challenging for them to break out of their own half. However, a lapse in concentration from Whitstable allowed Herne Bay’s right wing-back, Issac Collier, to intercept and shoot, narrowly missing the post. Herne Bay quickly settled into some confident football as they pressed forward.
Captain Elijah Okedele delivered a pinpoint pass to striker Gene Zacharia, who surged towards goal and fired a low shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner—giving Herne Bay a 1-0 lead. Whitstable continued to struggle under pressure, and Issac Collier again managed to win possession, unleashing a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar, coming agonisingly close to doubling the lead.
Further attacking play from Joey earned Herne Bay a corner. Number 7, Jeremiah Chibuye, delivered an excellent cross, which Brayden Perret collected and passed to Issac, who in turn found Reuben for an easy tap-in, making it 2-0 to Herne Bay. The team continued to control the match, and the first half ended with Herne Bay firmly in command.
With only 13 players available due to injuries to Michael Allen and Max Scott-Barker, the coaches made a tactical substitution at half-time—bringing on Ellison Gashi for Harry Hadlow. Herne Bay began the second half with renewed energy, applying early pressure and maintaining their attacking momentum.
Elijah Okedele produced a delicate chip over the Whitstable defence for Jeremiah, who calmly lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 3-0. With PJ introduced and a shift in formation, Herne Bay continued to push for more goals. The ball fell to right wing-back Harry, whose low shot was spilled by the Whitstable goalkeeper, allowing Gene to tap in for his second goal of the match, making it 4-0.
As Oscar Knowles moved to left wing, Jeremiah received a superb pass and scored again, taking the scoreline to 5-0. Herne Bay pressed for a sixth goal, but Oscar's powerful effort struck the crossbar. Despite a late push from Whitstable, Herne Bay’s defence and goalkeeper Harry Cooper held firm, ensuring a clean sheet for the home side.
The Transcrew Player of the Match award was deservedly given to Issac Collier for his outstanding performance on the right defence, contributing both defensively and offensively throughout the game.