Bay welcomed back skipper Liam Friend to the starting lineup after he missed the last seven league games due to injury, adding a bit of spark to the team on this Bonfire Night fixture. He replaced the injured Kane Haysman, who was absent for his first league game following an unfortunate injury at AFC Croydon Athletic on Saturday. Michael Salako also replaced Joshua Reid, and 17-year-old Jamie Lartice joined the substitutes for the first time.

There was little action in the first twenty minutes, aside from a blocked shot by Mike Salako and a tackle on Scott Heard by Vance Bola just before Heard could get a shot off, earning Bay a corner. This was the first of four consecutive corners all cleared by Hythe’s defence.

Former Bay player Tushuan Walters had Hythe’s first opportunity in the 24th minute, but after taking on several defenders, he was eventually crowded out. Hythe’s first shot on goal came from Anthony Adesite in the 26th minute.

Before the half-hour mark, Bay created several opportunities. Jack Parter’s shot was blocked, and Ethan Smith fired the rebound over the bar. Following a strong run and cross by Salako, Kane Rowland couldn’t quite get enough on the ball, and his header slipped past the far post. Bay seemed to be getting closer, and in the 32nd minute, Salako threaded a pass to Rowland for a big chance, but Hythe’s keeper Joe Coleman was quick off his line to prevent the opening goal.

The deadlock was broken by Ethan Smith in the 36th minute. After initially losing the ball, he won it back with a tackle, turned, and created space to shoot past Coleman.

Before halftime, Friend nearly extended Bay's lead, but Coleman saved his well-struck shot. Monty Saunders and Smith could also have had a chance, but they left the ball for each other, giving the defender time to clear. Scott Heard’s long shot then went over the bar.

The second half began with Hythe having the upper hand, as Bay struggled to keep possession as effectively as they had in the first half. Clear chances were limited, but Salako was unlucky when Coleman stretched full-length to tip his shot around the post for a corner.

Hythe levelled the score in the 70th minute when a free kick was squared along the penalty area by recent signing Dan Parish, allowing Walters to smash it past Crump.

The game remained open after that, with both sides having chances but ultimately settling for a point each. Bay had further opportunities, including a narrowly wide curler by Artem Kuchkov and a shot from him that Salako touched on, only for Coleman to make an impressive diving save. Heard also found the side netting after some good work from Parter.

Hythe played quickly on the break, with Smith making a critical challenge in the penalty box to stop a dangerous move. Hythe’s best chance to snatch a winner came when Ellis Brown powered through the area, and passed to Sammi Takaloo, whose shot just shaved the outside of the post.

It was encouraging to see Bay defending better than in recent games, although there’s still difficulty maintaining first-half performance levels in the second half. In fact, Bay has only outscored opponents in the second half once this season in League matches.

Herne Bay; Crump, Hillier, Parter, Friend, Carrington (Kuchkov 56’), Salmon, Heard, E Smith, Salako, Rowland, Saunders.

Subs Unused; Reid, Hill, Lartice, Brooks

Yellow Cards; Hillier (68’), Rowland (76’)

Next Fixtures:
Saturday 9th November 15:00, away v Eastbourne Town (Isthmian South East)
Tuesday 12th November 19:45, home v Ramsate (Isthmian South East)