After a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Herne Bay Vets last week, the over-35s needed a result against a Fossils side who, in a pre-season friendly with the 35s, battled back from 3-0 down at half time to grab a 3-3 draw. There was a slight tweak in formation by player-manager Ryan Slattery, with three centre-backs and an overloaded midfield designed to retain possession and break forwards.

The game began with intensity from Herne Bay, and after around ten minutes of constant pressure and probing from the home side, Matt Carvosso played a ball over the top for Eddy Popa who kept his head, rolled it under his foot, then passed it into the net for 1-0. The second came soon after, Eddy's shot inside the box fell to Wayne Hughes who smashed it home. Gate Fossils were trying long and direct balls all game and these caused one or two problems, in addition to Herne Bay somewhat losing their dominance during brief spells. However, Bay went in deservedly 3-0 up at half-time after Jonny Fairbrother finished well inside the box.

Haydn Powlter and Matt Huckstep were introduced after the break and immediately made an impact. HB kicked off and after four swift passes, Micky Pile crossed for Carvy to grab his first with a strong header. Ryan Slattery made it five from close range after Bay intercepted another loose ball and worked it into the box for Huckers to square a ball which put the finish on a plate. Carv then hit his second from a break from back to front, Jonny found time and space to round the keeper for another, Micky Pile struck a deserved goal before he was replaced and Huckstep rounded off the scoring with the ninth for Herne Bay. Some profligate finishing in the second half prevented double figures, but is an area which can undoubtedly be improved as the season plays out.

A much-improved showing from the 35s, with fantastic intensity across the 90 minutes. Jonny Fairbrother was deservedly awarded Man of the Match, and Minster to come in the Kent Cup. Up the Bay!!

Scorers:
Carvosso (2)
Fairbrother (2)
Pile
Slattery
Hughes
Popa
Huckstep

Herne Bay FC

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