Early strikes set the tone

Herne Bay

Despite heading to London with just 10 players, Herne Bay ladies enjoyed a 7-1 success at BBHC 2nds to make it back-to-back wins in Kent League Division 1 They made a strong start with two early goals – Lisa Watson firing the opener into the top corner and Sophie Buchanan doubling the advantage soon after. Bay dropped off a bit and had some defending to do but they battled back again to win a penalty corner which was slotted home by Watson. Sophy Forwood netted a fourth before the break and the second half started much the same as they extended their lead through Rachel Gentry. Lucy Marks then got in on the action and put a goal away shortly afterwards, while Forwood grabbed her second before BBHC netted a consolation two minutes from time. Bay: Mackinnon, Mark, Watson, Buchanan, Gentry, Forward, Godden, Dengate, Edmunds, Coffey The ladies’ 2nds bounced back from last week’s loss with a 6-0 win against Remnants in Division 4. Gemma Cathcart and Libby Fielder scored two each with Lucy Barton and Amber Potter also on the mark. In their first game together, the newly-formed 3rds also hit the goal trail scoring seven without reply in a convincing win over Burnt Ash 5ths in Division 5. Hannah Evans led the way with a hat-trick, Jo Cox scored two goals, while Sarah Wills and Sally Pywell netted the others. Herne Bay’s men prepared for the start of their new league campaign this weekend with a goalless draw in their final friendly at Folkestone 3rds. The 2nds came out on top in a 13-goal thriller, coming from 3-0 and 5-3 down to win 8-5 against Maidstone 3rds. Sam Thompson and Aaron White led the way with a hattrick each, while Paul Mcvey and Tom Salvatori got the other goals. The 3rds suffered a 3-1 defeat but impressed against higher-division opposition Folkestone 4ths, Tom White getting the visitors’ only goal. Matt Hicks fired a treble for Bay 4ths as they eased to a 4-0 win over Folkestone 7ths on the back of three goals in five second-half minutes. Adam Foster got the other Bay goal. The 4ths will play the re-formed 5ths in a final friendly on Saturday.