Two Pen Walder Punishes Rams

Two Pen Walder Punishes Rams

Herne Bay (1) 2
Walder 21 (pen), 90 (pen)
Ramsgate (0) 1
Schulz 20

Kent Senior Cup 1st Round
Tuesday 17th September 2013 at Winch’s Field

by Ray Kelly

Herne Bay progressed to the 2nd round of the Kent Senior Cup with a good 2-1 win against Ramsgate. Sam Hasler returned from a seven-match injury break to replace Nathan Eastwood who was suffering from a back injury. Michael Turner slotted in at right back. In slippery conditions Bay produced a solid workman like performance and were worthy winners. A 90th minute penalty by Danny Walder sealed Ramsgate's fate with the prize being a trip to the Belmont to meet near neighbours Whitstable Town.

From the kick off both teams kept the ball down well and produced some good attacking play. On 10 minutes the first chance fell to Herne Bay when James Turner let rip a stinging shot that produced the first of many fine saves from the Ramsgate keeper Daren Hawkes. Shortly afterwards Turner was fouled by James Everitt 30 yards out, but the resulting free kick was headed wide by Dean Grant.

The Rams hit back and on 18 minutes Warren Schultz should have done better when well placed but shot well wide of the target. Another chance followed a minute later but McCauley Murray blasted straight at Jack Delo in the Bay goal. After 20 minutes the Rams took the lead when Schultz rode a couple of tackles before slotting past Delo.

A minute later Bay should have levelled when a Jamie O'Connell shot was well saved by Hawkes. Following a Connor Sanders long throw, Curtis Robinson handled the ball in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. Less than 30 minutes of football had passed since Walder had last stepped up to the spot. Against Hythe his 93rd minute penalty kick flew past the post, but this time he slotted down the middle whilst Hawkes dived to his right.

Hawkes was in action again on 35 minutes, another great run by James Turner brought a fine save from the Rams’ stopper. Schultz was at fault five minutes from the break when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

The second half was only 5 minutes old when once again Hawkes came to Ramsgate’s rescue of the Rams when he produced a great save from a James Turner effort. On 55 minutes Andy Miller should have done better in front of goal but the Ramsgate man had his shot cleared off the line by Gary Sayer. Herne Bay moved up a gear and further chances fell to James Turner and Dean Grant, both their efforts being saved by Hawkes. Connor Sanders was causing havoc with his long throws into the Rams defence but a goal eluded the Bay forwards.

Both sides went looking for the winner and chances fell to Schultz and Curtis Robinson for the Rams and James Turner and Brown for the Bay but none could convert. Ramsgate introduced prolific scorer Ian Pullman with ten minutes remaining and Sam Denly put on Jordan Casey for Jamie O'Connell.

In the 87th minute both James Turner and Dean Grant had shots cleared by the Rams’ defence, but Herne Bay had the final word when Sam Hasler was brought down in the area. Once again the referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Danny Walder to slam in the kick, his fourth 18-yard success in five attempts from the last five matches.

Herne Bay showed the greater fitness throughout the match. Pre-season scepticism and pessimism from some sections of the club has been replaced by positivity and optimism as Herne Bay continue to play football that is pleasing on the eye as well as producing great results. This team, led by Denly and Brown will grow together and improve with age and experience at this level. A very promising season lies ahead, including the next round of the Kent Senior Cup against the Oystermen on 1st October.

Team: Jack Delo, Nathan Eastwood (Sam Hasler), Gary Sayer, Connor Sanders, Joe Kennett, Dean Grant, Danny Lawrence (Ben Brown), Jamie O'Connell (Jordan Casey), James Turner, Michael Turner, Danny Walder.

Subs not used: Joe Nelder, Kane Butler.