Saturday 30th December 2017
Bostik League Division One South
Herne Bay 0 (0) - (1) 3 Hastings United
Att: 268
Herne Bay: Ben Hunter, Bradley Schafer, Jack Steventon, Josh Wisson, Jono Richardson, Tyler Myers, Connor Wilkins, Tom Carlton, Jake Embery, Junior Aikhionbare, Danny Leonard
Subs Used: Khalil McFarlane (Steventon 35) Nassim Dukali (Myers 35), Sami Meziane (Aikhionbare 77)
Subs not used: Jack Hyslop, Teddy Deverson
Following Dr Jekyll on Boxing Day it was Mr Hyde who turned up today. Apart from two early chances, both hit wide of the goal from close range, Bay never really threatened the Hasting keeper throughout the game.
Ben Hunter again showed what an exceptional keeper he is with a number of stunning saves,
including a penalty in the 24th minute, he kept Bay in the game against a relentless onslaught from Hastings. It was on the stroke of half time when the visitors took the lead, Davide Rodari making no mistake from Hastings second penalty of the half; although the penalty decision seemed a bit harsh.
The second half was no better as Hastings continued their domination of the game; increasing their lead in the 50th minute. A rather bizarre goal scored by their full back Sam Beale, hitting a low drive into the box from 30 yards. The ball looked to be going harmlessly wide of the upright before it hit a divot, changing course and rolling into the back of the net inside the far post.
Bay were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute, when Connor Wilkins was dismissed for what the referee described as serious foul play. The Hastings management, and all supporters alike thought the referee got this wrong. The foul was worthy of a yellow card but not red. The challenge was not reckless and committed with no malice but the official thought otherwise.
Already in full control of the game the added manpower completed Hastings
dominance and they duly increased their lead when Rodari netted from close range in the closing minutes of the game.
Our first game on the last Saturday of the year since we joined the Isthmian League and probably one of our poorest displays over 90 minutes.