We made the long journey to Herne Bay on Tuesday evening for our latest Isthmian League South East Division clash, and it turned out to be a dramatic affair. The game started positively, with both teams eager to take control early on.

Our weekend’s goalscorer and Man of the Match, Marcin Ruda, was first to threaten the hosts’ goal. A well-delivered free-kick from Leon Greig found Ruda in the box, but his header sailed just over the crossbar. Herne Bay responded with a free-kick of their own, testing Chris Winterton, but their effort lacked the power to trouble our captain.

We continued to push forward, with Alfie Simmons showing his pace down the wing, leaving the Herne Bay full-back behind before crossing for JJ Walker. Unfortunately, Walker’s header also went over the bar. Town began to dominate the game, pressing hard in the final third and earning a series of corners, but we couldn’t find the breakthrough before halftime.

Second Half Drama

The second half began quietly, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. However, Town soon took advantage of a mistake in midfield. James Hull picked up the loose ball, charged forward, and weaved past the Herne Bay defence, eventually beating Skye Salmon before smashing his shot past Harry Brooks to give us the lead.

Herne Bay responded by increasing their intensity, and we made a few changes to freshen up the squad after a demanding schedule. Marcin Ruda and Anesu Sisimayi were replaced by James Stone and James Waters as we looked to hold on to our advantage.

However, the equaliser came in the 77th minute. A pinpoint corner from Scott Heard found Joel Odeniran, who rose above the defence to head home for Herne Bay. With the home crowd growing louder, we introduced more attacking options, including Sonny Walsh and Freddie Warren, to chase a late winner.

James Waters nearly silenced the home supporters in the 82nd minute. A clearance from the Herne Bay defence fell to Waters 25 yards out, and he unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike that rattled the crossbar—agonisingly close to restoring our lead. Looking back, it would appear to be a superb fingertip save from Harry Brooks.

The game became increasingly open, with both teams pushing for all three points. Unfortunately, it was Herne Bay who found the decisive goal in stoppage time. Jack Hillier’s pinpoint pass found Kane Rowland unmarked in the box, and his header went in off the post, sparking jubilant celebrations behind Winterton’s goal.

A tough defeat to take after a promising performance for 75 minutes, but we move on and will look to bounce back in our next fixture this Saturday at The Saffrons against Ashford United.

Isthmian League – South East Division
Attendance: 278
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Michael Butcher
Venue: The Crest Stadium