As the game seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Bay will be disappointed to have conceded two late goals against their Isthmian Premier League opponents, Chichester City.
City who gained promotion last season, made it to the 1st round proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy for the first time, but it took a slightly fortunate 90th minute goal to defeat Bay who had matched them up to that point.

Joel Odeniran was injured by a late challenge after he cleared upfield towards Artem Kuchkov, but the referee missed the foul. As Kuchkov attempted to control the clearance, he lost possession, and perhaps a first-time pass to substitute Josh Reid would have been the better option. With Odeniran still down injured, Chichester took advantage of the space and drove the ball into the area, and for once Bay were outnumbered. Isaac Bello, well positioned, slotted in the goal just before 5 minutes of added time were announced.

Bay made a couple of changes to their starting line-up. Scott Heard, arguably Bay’s most in-form player, was unavailable due to an injury picked up in last week’s FA Cup tie against Maidstone United. Odeniran came into the starting lineup, and Bay played a different formation from recent games.

After the 113-mile journey, Bay had the first opportunity in the 2nd minute. Frankie Smith was fouled on the edge of the box, and he curled in the free kick. Odeniran had a touch at the far post, and it fell to Kane Haysman whose shot was saved by the legs of Chichester keeper Kieran Magee.

Kuchkov was on the receiving end of some determined defending, and a challenge by Ryan Davidson gave Frankie Smith another early free kick and a headed chance for Liam Friend.
Bay comfortably intercepted Chichester’s long passes but 12 minutes in Friend’s under-hit pass back to Bay’s keeper Harry Brooks was charged down by Jimmy Wild as Brooks attempted to clear. The ball rebounded off Wild for a goal kick to Bay. Soon after, Chichester’s appeals for a penalty were cut short as the referee spotted a handball in the build-up.

21 minutes in, Mo Kamara intercepted a ball out of defence from Chichester’s keeper and lobbed him as he was still off his line, but also cleared the bar.

Both teams created chances, and when Skye Salmon was dispossessed by Ethan Prichard, Brooks did well to save. Wild, who already has 10 goals this season was kept quiet by Bay’s defence, but he did have a decent long effort flash wide of the post.

In the 36th minute, Jack Parter momentarily thought he had broken the deadlock when he fired home, only to see the linesman flagging for offside. Three minutes later as Bay remained on top, Kuchkov beat his marker to get in a shot, yet a defender headed off the line for a corner.

Bay had the first opportunity of the 2nd half. Ethan Smith had won the ball with a typically strong challenge and set Kuchkov free. Mike Salako looked for a pass but Kuchkov favoured a shot, which was comfortably saved.

Chichester then had a spell on top. Parter made an important block on Pritchard’s powerful shot, Odeniran perfectly time a tackle on Wild in a dangerous area, and Parter’s brave header earned him a kick in the head.

Undeterred Bay began to fight back – Haysman came close with a header and Ethan Smith’s cross was met on the volley by Parter’s right foot, and it struck the upright before being cleared for a corner.

In the 68th minute, Chichester made two substitutes, bringing on Bello and Mo Jammeh, which was the game-changer for the home side. Bello’s long throw’s put Bay under pressure and Brooks was called upon to save from Jammeh’s header.

Friend was replaced by Tom Hanfrey in the 84th minute, just after Josh Reid had replaced Kamara. Reid was straight into the action as Bay tried to find a winner themselves. His direct run and cross found Kuchkov, but again Magee’s legs again kept the ball out of the net.

This was the last chance for Bay as Chichester substitutes Bello and Jammeh both scored in time added on. Their 2nd by Jammeh was a smart finish as he spun and fired in Lloyd Rowlatt’s cross, which left Brooks with no chance.

Bay now turn their focus to catching up in the League, with two games per week through October and November. Their next fixtures are against Steyning Town on Tuesday, October 8, and Sevenoaks Town on Saturday, October 12.

Herne Bay; Brooks Salmon, Parter, Odeniran (Rowland, 90+1), Friend © (Hanfrey, 85), Kamara (Reid 83), Kuchkov (Saunders, 90+1), E Smith, Salako, Haysman, F Smith.

Yellow Cards; Odeniran (82)