Bay leave Maidstone Road empty handed

The toughest test of Bay’s pre-season yet came at the Maidstone Road ground of Ryman Premier Division One side Chatham Town. In the first half both teams cancelled each other out in effort and commitment with the best chance of the period falling to Dean Grant who controlled the ball well in front of goal but his scuffed shot was wide of the target.

Five minutes into the second half Chatham had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. The resultant kick was high and wide of the mark. The desire to win showed from both sides in a competitive match and referee Mr. Peter Conn had his work cut out controlling the players’ enthusiasm. Joe Nelder and Sam Hasler both went into the book.

Chances at both ends continued as did the number of substitutions. On 68 the ball was in the back of the Bay net, but a foul was given after keeper Jack Delo was impeded. In the 83rd minute Bay were denied a penalty which the Assistant flagged for but the referee adjudged to be just outside of the box. Danny Walder blasted the free-kick wide. With the Chatham attack looking lively, the Bay of recent seasons may have folded but the increased fitness levels this time out meant that the defence held strong. The second successive 0-0 draw but positives can be drawn from several good individual performances and again a clean sheet. The lack of goals is a worry, but the squad is taking shape and things bode well for the future.

Squad: Jack Delo, Nathan Eastwood, Connor Sanders, Joe Kennett, Sam Hasler, Joe Nelder, Danny Walder, Tom Axford, Jordan Casey, Dean Grant, James Turner, Gary Sayer, Sam Taylor, Anthony Searle, Michael Turner, Steven Lloyd, Cameron George, Luke Prentice.