Match Report

Saturday 22nd February 2018
Bostik League Division One South
Herne Bay 2 (1) - (1) 1 Whyteleafe
Att: 155
Goals: Aikhionbare Leonard

Herne Bay: Jordan Carey, Josh Wisson, Cory Walters-Wright, Ben Gorham, Danny Leonard, Miles Cornwell,
Bradley Schafer, Tom Carlton, Jake Embery, Junior Aikhionbare,
Subs Used: Simon Kabamba (Walters-Wright 57) Teddy Deverson (Aikhionbare 84) Sami Meziane (Embery 90)
Subs not used: Sam Menzies John Ufuah,
Man of the match: Danny Leonard

A very good performance by the whole team avenged the 2-6 hammering we took back in November.
Debuts for Cory Walters-Wright and goalkeeper Jordan Carey; the latter pulling off a number of fine saves, one in the first half was particularly important as it would have given Whyteleafe an early equaliser, cancelling out Junior Aikhionbare 28 minute goal. Debut also for substitute Simon Kabamba who showed a great deal of potential in his 30 minute second half performance.

In quite a physical game both sides gave no quarter but it seemed that the referee was penalising Herne Bay more than the visitors, giving a number a free kicks on the edge of the area from which ‘Leafe did get their equaliser. Former Bay Player and ‘Leafe captain, John Scarborough’s header deflecting over the outstretched arms of Carey. As the first half was coming to an end the ‘leafe’s Vance Bola fouled Bradley Schafer and while lying on the ground Bola smashed the ball into Bradley’s face. The referee decided that only a yellow card was warranted, much to the disgust of the Bay players and supporters. In the melee that preceded the caution Ben Gorham was also cautioned for pushing.
The first half was pretty even with ‘leafe’s ultra quick forwards threatening to break through every time they countered but the defence marshalled by Ben Gorham proved very solid.

Bay definitely had the better of the second half , spending most of the period in the Whyteleafe half. Danny Leonard restored Bay’s lead in the 58th minute. Following good work from Jake Embery who fed the ball through, allowing Danny to place his volley back across keeper Kyle Merson into the far side of the goal. This goal proved to be the winner giving Bay a thoroughly deserved three points putting them into positive frame of mind prior to the next tough away fixture against 6th placed Walton Casuals in two days time.