Bay Bounce Back, writes Steve Barton

Herne Bay returned to winning ways with Zak Ansah taking his pre-season tally to seven against SCEFL Premier Division Erith & Belvedere. It took a while for Bay to assert their authority and indeed it was the visitors that gained the advantage in the 11thminute with an easy chance for Romayle Wade to slot home. Kieron Campbell, who looks an excellent addition to the squad, came close to opening his account, but Lewis Mitchell saved well. Two minutes later, on 25, Campbell was felled in the box and Ansah stepped up to level. Play continued to be scrappy with both sides giving the ball away too easily but just before the break Ansah netted twice to complete his hat-hat-trick and put Herne Bay in a commanding position. From a long ball, he coolly dummied and beat Mitchell and then showed his skills in the box to make it three.

Changes were made after the break and six minutes in Ansah scored his fourth and simplest. Erith & Belvedere were not going to give up and just after the hour Guyliano Tresor Mpungi scored arguably the goal of the match from long range although Laurence Harvey might have something to say about that with his strike from the edge of the box to take the total to five. In between Campbell and Ricky Freeman had both come close. A good runout and more goals scored as the squad is beginning to come together and Ben Smith is getting nearer to deciding on his best starting eleven.

Squad included: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Malachi Robinson, Laurence Harvey, Joe Kennett, Joe Nelder, Danny Leonard, Ryan King, Chris Saunders, Ryan King, Zak Ansah, Ricky Freeman, Kieron Campbell, Stuart West, Dan Lawrence, Bola Dawodu, Chris Saunders, Gary Sayer, Victor Aiyelabola.