Herne Bay’s re-emergence suffered a slight knockback when they came up against a highly competent Hemel Hempstead Town. The Tudors had ended last season in 16th place in the National South, two steps up from the Isthmian League Division One South East, dominated possession and were very quick to close Bay down when the home side had control of the ball. Jack Delo, again between the sticks, survived a couple of early scares but on 13 could only watch as the ball was played to the far post to be headed home. Eight minutes later Delo saved well but the rebound was buried. Bay’s best attempt came two minutes into time added on from a great strike, but with no reward, from Danny Leonard.
Seven minutes after the break came the goal of the match as a 25-yard screamer nestled into the back of the Bay net. Luke Griffiths’ free kick was well saved by the keeper and the stoppers’ fingertips came to the rescue to stop Kieron Campbell from scoring. Five minutes from the end came the fourth, drilled in low from the edge of the box. A good mid-week pre-season crowd of 233, another decent run-out and plenty for Ben Smith to think about a month before the start of the competitive season.
Squad included: Jack Delo, Simon Kabamba, Malachi Hudson, Laurence Harvey, Gary Sayer, Chris Saunders, Kieron Campbell, Dan Lawrence, Zak Ansah, Kyron Lightfoot, Danny Leonard, Bola Dawodu, Luke Griffiths, Victor Aiyelabola, Phil Starkey.
Photo from Keith Davy