The teams were playing in the 2nd minute of additional time when Kane Rowland rose above the defenders to score the winner for Bay from a delightful cross by debutant Jack Hillier. The ball struck the inside of the post but crossed the line. Before any other chances, the referee blew for full-time.

The first half was evenly matched, although both goalkeepers were not tested too much. The first opportunity for Eastbourne fell to Marcin Ruda who headed over the bar from a crossed free-kick.

Artem Kuchkov threaded a pass through to Kane Haysman whose shot was straight at Eastbourne’s keeper and captain Chris Winterton. Shortly afterwards a similar pass from Kuchkov to Salako looked promising, but Winterton was quickly off his line to avert the danger.

During the middle third of the half Eastbourne had a lot of possession and a succession of four corners which were capably dealt with by Bay’s defence. Bay’s only real threat in that time was when Ethan Smith lofted a pass and Scott Heard’s time run beat the defence but he could not quite bring the bouncing ball under control before Winterton advanced and grabbed the ball from Heard.

Herne Bay won a corner after Heard's diving header from Parter's cross was blocked by a defender.

Before the half ended, Joel Odeniran did well to cover back and cut out a cross for another Eastbourne corner, and Haysman was twice involved in some timely tackles.

At half-time Bay brought on 17-year-old local player Jack Hillier for his debut as Parter was feeling unwell.

Eastbourne was first to score when in the 60th minute an unchallenged dropped ball following an injury was carelessly given away by Herne Bay and Dan Hull raced through to score.

Bay struggled to create clear chances, with several overhit crosses. Manager, Steve Lovell replaced Kuchkov and Salako with Monty Saunders and Josh Read. This gave Bay more attacking options down the wings and Winterton was forced to save from a Kane Rowland shot.

In the 77th minute Bay equalised from a corner. Heard crossed from Bay’s left, and a perfectly timed run and a powerful header from Odeniran left the keeper with no chance of saving. Although Bay was now focused on attacking, Eastbourne’s substitute James Waters smashed a long-range shot which was superbly touched onto the crossbar by the stretching Harry Brooks in the 81st minute.

Monty Saunders’ cross picked out Haysman but his shot was comfortable for the keeper and Bay continued to press for a winner. Three consecutive corners did not find fruition, but in the 92nd minute, ex-Herne Bay Harrier Hillier marked an impressive debut by crossing for Rowland to head in the winner.

For the second Tuesday in a row, Joel Odeniran was the player of the match, and we sadly learned this morning that his parent club, Folkestone Invicta, had recalled him from his loan deal.

Herne Bay; Brooks, Salmon, Parter (Hillier, 46), Kuchkov (Saunders, 69), Odeniran, Heard, Rowland, E Smith, Salako (Reid, 69), Haysman, F Smith.

Subs Unused; Kamara, Hill,

Yellow Cards; Haysman (54), F Smith (80)

Next matches:
Sat 19th October, Phoenix Sports (away)
Tue 22nd October, Sittingbourne (away)
Sat 26th October, Sheppey United (HOME)