After Saturday’s defeat at Erith Town, Herne Bay were once again on the road, this time a short trip down to Ashford United for a 7:45pm kick off on Tuesday 13th October.

Before the match started, The Bay officially announced the signings of Josh Ajayi and Tariq Ossai from Faversham Town and Margate, following their debuts in Saturday’s game against Erith Town.

Throughout the first half here were some good moments that went the way of Herne Bay.

Within the first minute, Ben Gorham launched a great ball over the top and found Scott Heard who’s attempt to find a man in the box was cleared out for a corner.

In the 14th minute, Emmanuel Robe did well to get into the opposition box and lay off the ball to Alexander Kokoshi, but unfortunately Kokoshi’s shot was blocked.

Ashford’s Gary Lockyer almost put his side 1-0 after 28 minutes when he took a shot from close range but it was easily saved by Tom Wray.

Herne Bay then had an almost immediate reaction and went down the other way, with new signing Ajayi’s effort ultimately going wide of the net.

But at halftime, neither team had got on the scoresheet, leaving it 0-0 at the break.

Shortly into the second half, Ben Gorham was booked for a challenge on Samuel Hasler, with the resulting freekick being converted by Hasler in the 52nd minute.

Less than ten minutes later, Frankie Smith was sent off, taking The Bay down to ten men.

Tom Wray showed some great goalkeeping once again, when he made a double save against Lockyer in the 72nd minute.

In the 80th minute, Antonio Morgan hit a wonderful freekick into the box that was pushed wide by Ashford’s keeper.

Morgan featured again, when he got the ball to Rodney Eruotor who’s shot went over the bar.

Some late pressure was put on by Ashford at the end of the 90 when they saw two efforts crash off the bar.

The match ended 1-0 to Ashford, with the ten men of Herne Bay recording their fifth loss of the season, and their first non-scoring game since Cray Valley on the 26th September.

They now sit 13th in the table, but still only three points outside the playoff positions.

Herne Bay’s next game is back at home at The Crest Stadium against Eastbourne Town on Saturday 17th October, with a 3pm kick off.