Casey Claims Bragging Rights for Bay

Herne Bay (1) 1
Casey 21

Whitstable Town (0) 0

Ryman Isthmian League Division One (South)
at Winch’s Field
Tuesday 4th March 2014.
Att: 330

by Sam Inkersole, Herne Bay Times

Herne Bay bagged the bragging rights after winning a hard-fought A299 derby 1-0 against Whitstable Town at Winch's Field.

It wasn't the best game, it has to be said. It lacked any quality in the final third but the tackles were full on and both sides were certainly committed to the cause. But, it was Jordan Casey's well-worked goal from a corner in the 21st minute that was the difference between the teams.

Bay started the better and Dean Grant went close on ten minutes when his powerful effort was fumbled by Luke Watkins in the Whitstable goal. Stuart King prodded the rebound wide. Bay kept up the pressure and Grant went on a mazy run down the left on eleven minutes but Watkins was again equal to his shot. Casey then lashed an effort against the post as the Oystermen struggled to get to grips with the bobbly pitch and Bay's high tempo. And on 21 minutes, Bay got the lead they deserved. A corner was swung in by Ben Brown and Casey got ahead of his marker at the near post and flicked a header home past Watkins.

Whitstable finally woke up and created a chance of their own just after the half hour. Good work from Charlie Smith lead to a goalmouth scramble but Bay keeper Jack Delo smothered the ball at Smith's feet. Scott Heard then put in an inviting cross across the Bay box but no-one gambled and right on half time, the same thing happened again to leave Heard cutting a very frustrated figure at the interval.

The second half lacked any real chances for either side and a few tasty tackles started to fly in. Oliver Brown went into the book after a hefty challenge on Bay's Joe Nelder, as did substitute Matt Martin.
On 66 minutes, Whitstable captain Lawrence Harvey underhit a back pass as Stuart King sniffed around for a chance but Watkins beat the prolific striker to the ball, just.

Whitstable substitute Joe Lester scuffed a long range effort harmlessly wide with ten minutes to go which summed up their poor performance. The Oystermen then threw Lawrence Harvey up front from his normal centre back position but he was superbly marshalled by Bay's defensive duo of Connor Sanders and George Benner.

In the end, Bay held on comfortably for a vital three points and moved up to 13th in the Ryman South table. Whitstable dropped to 20th after the fifth game in nine days proved to be too much for them.

Herne Bay team: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Joe Nelder, Connor Sanders, George Benner, Nathan Eastwood, Ben Brown, Stuart King (Jamie O’Conell 82), Jordan Casey (James Turner 73), Dean Grant (Kane Phillip 63).

Subs not used: Danny Walder, Joe Kennett