Thrilling opening league encounter

Keiron Campbell, Stuart West, Laurence Harvey and Jordan Johnson-Palmer were all unavailable for selection and in came new signing George Crimmen to partner Gary Sayer in the centre of defence.

Whyteleafe dominated possession, but in the first half their strike force was ineffectual, and the Herne Bay defence and keeper dealt well with everything that was thrown at them. The Bay bar was struck on 26 by former favourite Ronnie Sobowale. It was the visitors who took the lead, in the 32nd minute, after a fine run down the right from Ryan King-Elliott whose cross across goal eluded Zac Ansah but Kyron Lightfoot was on hand to open the season’s tally. Referee Peter Cruise made a controversial decision three minutes before the break when Jake Batchelor went down at the feet of a Leafe forward and collected the ball comfortably. The attacker hit the ground and Mr. Cruise pointed to the spot much to the dismay of most of the 178(?) crowd. Sobowale struck the penalty well but Batchelor dived to his left to keep the ball out.

After the re-start Whyteleafe continued to play their pretty football but it was overcomplicated much of the time and their thrust lacked penetration and an end product. That was until 15 minutes from the end when Matthew O’Donoghue swung a deep cross to the far post and Sobowale headed home. By now Herne Bay were enjoying more of the ball but with three minutes to go Corie Andrews put the home side ahead and the win seemed sealed. But Bay were in no mood to roll over and within minutes of coming off the bench Luke Griffiths was felled in the box and Ansah levelled from the spot to the ecstatic celebrations of the travelling fans.

Ben Smith: “This was probably the worst time that we could play Whyteleafe, first game of the season, on their 3g pitch. I have said that it will take a month or so of competition for the team to gel, so any result is a bonus and I am really pleased to pick up the point. To grind out a draw just shows the character of our squad and how they battle. Ricky Freeman was superb when we pushed him back into midfield and it showed that everyone is willing to work for the team. Whyteleafe were undoubtably the better side on the day and some may say that it was a smash and grab but it gives us something positive to build on.”