Draw secures final spot

Herne Bay Harriers STALEMATE IN FINAL GAME IS ENOUGH TO SEND HOSTS THROUGH TO EKYL FINALS

Herne Bay Harriers hosted the East Kent Youth League under-8 and under-9 semi-finals on Saturday.

The under-8s competition was contested by Dover, Ramsgate, Betteshanger and Harriers with each team playing each other once over 15-minute matches.

Ramsgate beat Harriers 1-0 in the first game and that proved to be pivotal in the final placings as Harriers responded well by beating Dover 1-0 and Betteshanger 3-2 but with Ramsgate drawing 0-0 with Betteshanger and then beating Dover 2-0, it was Ramsgate who prevailed and booked their place in next month’s final.

The afternoon saw the under-9s plate semi-final take place with Herne Bay Harriers being joined by Rising Stars, Red Arrow, Shepherdswell Spartans and Kennington.

The opening game saw Harriers beat Rising Stars through a solitary Dylan Richards goal.

Red Arrow and Kennington finished goalless before Harriers beat Shepherdswell 5-0 with Luca Mccarthy and Noah Ireton both getting fine strikes and Bodie Mason, Jack Hillier and Josh Madden also on target.

The goals would prove crucial as the day progressed as Rising Stars beat Shephersdwell 3-2 but lost to Kennington 2-0, while Kennington beat Shepherdwell 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Harriers.

It meant Harriers needed a point from their final game against Red Arrow to finish top and another goalless draw ensured they pipped Kennington on goal difference, to book a date with Herne Bay Youth in the plate final at Betteshanger on April 16.

Paul Ireton, Harriers’ club secretary said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to both Ramsgate under-8s and Harriers under-9s in getting to the final.

“All teams played their part in two enjoyable festivals. Games were well-contested, played in a good spirit and well refereed.”

Harriers under-8 Colts played Faversham Strike Force in the FDL which saw a hat-trick from Max Spicer, a double from man-of-thematch Liam Partridge and singles from Harry Philips and Thomas Lamb.

The under-12 juniors in EKYFL Division 4 saw a man-of-the-match performance from Jonathan Thatcher, who opened the scoring from the edge of the box before striker Fionnbarr Parkinson-terry raced away to make it 2-0 before the break.

The second half saw continued pressure and Parkinson-terry got his second to take the points for Harriers who now sit second. Jacob Reynolds impressed throughout.

The under-13s played Herne Bay Youth in a top-of-the-table clash.

Harriers knew a win would put them second, above Youth, and Bill Waldron gave them a good start with a fine goal inside 30 seconds.

Waldron got his second soon after and with Harriers full of confidence, Ryan Burford made it 3-0.

Midway through the half and after some great passing football, Robbie Tuck finished with a half-volley inside the area.

Just before half-time, Waldron found himself through on goal and slotted the ball home to complete his hat-trick. The second half saw Burford fire home his second and Rylan Jarrom made it seven before Youth got two late goals.

Burford then completed his hat-trick before a powerful run from midfield gave him his fourth to complete a 9-2 win.

Wilfy Driscoll was Harriers’ man-of-the-match. 11- 1 win that they inflicted on Faversham in the cup early in the season.

Herne Bay Harriers Under-9s, who won through to the East Kent Youth League final on Sunday