Herne Bay: Earle, Judd, Roberts, E Smith (Haysman ’83), Friend, Carrington, Reid (Kuchkov ’86), Heard, Salako, Rowland (Bowman ’88), Osinfolarin (Hill ’57)
Subs Unused: Salmon,
Yellow Cards: E Smith ’22, Reid '51, Salako ‘67
Referee: Michael Scott

On arriving at Erith Town’s Thamesmead ground, we were faced with the unusual sight of sprinklers on the pitch and a confusing set of markings along the touchline where the pitch had just been extended to meet the League regulations.

We left, though, much relieved after a tremendous performance that ended a run of 11 away games without a win and score five in a League game for the first time in 119 attempts. Needless to say, the three points were most needed.

There was only one change to the starting lineup that drew with Croydon Athletic on Saturday – Fenn Roberts replaced injured Jordy Ndozid. Vinnie Bowman replaced Monty Saunders on the substitute bench.

Bay attacked straight from the off. Kane Rowland was once again causing havoc to the opposition. A knock on Theo Osinfolarin, who sent Scott Heard out on the right, was crossed back into the box towards Salako, but overstretching his header was wide. Rowland then linked up with Josh Reid and Fenn Roberts in promising attacks. Osinfolarin, playing in midfield, put in a decent cross to Josh Reid at the far post which was misscontrolled on the difficult pitch.

It was certainly a fast-paced start to the game, and Erith Town had some promising moves broken up by captain Liam Friend and Myles Judd.

Bay’s first goal came in the 17th minute. Ethan Smith won two strong challenges in the Erith half and spread the ball out wide on the right wing to Reid. Reid cut into the penalty area and placed a right-footed shot past former Bay keeper Harry Brooks, a recent signing by the Dockers.

Smith was soon to be cautioned for a tackle when he played the ball, but there was a positive energy all over the pitch.

In the 23rd minute, Robert’s tempting cross was headed at Brooks by Salako and a minute later he lobbed a through ball to Rowland, but he didn’t have time to control the ball to get his shot off before being cleared.

Robert’s, back on defensive duties, put up an excellent defensive play against Gael Kileba, Erith’s tricky right winger and right-back Judd had to be at his best when Ross Craig broke quickly and sent James Dyer free.

The Dockers had a couple of corners dealt with by Bay’s defence, Friend won a header on the first and Harley Earle punched away the second.

Bay extended their lead to 2-0 in the 37th minute. Smith again started the move and played out to Reid who this time turned provider, as his left-footed cross picked out Scott Heard. From inside the six-yard box, Heard did what he had to do and touched home with Brooks still stranded at the near post.

Within four minutes, the first half got even better for Bay. It’s been a long time since we had scored three goals away from home, and to get a third before half-time was such a relief. Reid’s cross to the far post was headed back across the face of the goal by Rowland, and Bay’s top scorer, Salako, finished off the great move with a tap-in.

There was a scare very early on in the second half – Dyer ran straight through the middle of the park, and with Erith having three players against Dan Carrington, a pass may have been expected. However, Dyer unleashed an unstoppable driven shot beyond the diving Earle.
Bay defended remarkably well to make sure there was no comeback by Erith. Some great blocking by Judd, Friend and Smith all in the same spell of possession by Erith, showed determination, which has been lacking in some games. Salako also helped out, heading away a couple of long throws.

Bay had an excellent chance for a fourth following a one-two between Judd and Salako, but Judd chose to shoot from a narrow angle when Rowland was unmarked and in a better position.

Moments after this with 73 minutes on the clock, a freekick from Dyer out on the right touchline hit the far post before bouncing off Earle’s head and over the crossbar. The resulting corner was punched away by Earle.

That worrying moment was well and truly forgotten when Bay scored their fourth goal. Friend played a long ball forward to Heard and he set up Rowland, who had the composure to lift the ball over the advancing Brooks.

Bay’s finale came from Alfie Hill, who had replaced Osinfolarin. He volleyed home his first goal for the seniors when he was perfectly placed after Brooks had touched away Reid’s cross.

It was pleasing to see a vocal following of Herne Bay fans getting behind the team, and we look forward to seeing the team in action at East Grinstead on Saturday.

Next Fixtures:
Saturday 15th March 15:00, away at East Grinstead Town (Isthmian South East)
Saturday 22nd March 15:00, home to Burgess Hill Town (Isthmian South East)