Bay are back with a victory

Herne Bay

Herne Bay returned to action with a 4-3 win at Old Williamsonians 2nds in South League Kent Division 2. After seeing the previous week’s game postponed, Bay took an early lead through James Stevenson’s penalty stroke. The home side levelled but Sam Thompson restored Bay’s lead before the break and he grabbed his second to make it 3-1 after half-time. OWS replied once more but Stevenson completed his own double from a short corner before the hosts had the final word with a short corner strike which was a mere consolation. Bay 2nds remain top of Kent Open Premier B after a 2-1 win against Canterbury 5ths. After a goalless first half, Paul Mcvey put Bay ahead from close range, although a rare attack saw the away team draw level, only for Craig Dale to pop up with the deciding goal. Fit-again Nick Barton was man-of-thematch. The 3rds remain second in Division 1 after a 3-2 win at Folkestone 5ths. Bay made a perfect start and were ahead inside a minute through James Nash after a slick passing move. The hosts took control, however, and turned the game around with short corner strikes shortly either side of half-time. The goals galvanised Bay and Nash soon equalised with his second from a penalty corner before the visitors bossed the latter stages and Nash crossed for Tom White to sweep into the roof of the net. The 4ths remain in hot pursuit of their 5th XI at the top of Kent Open Division 4 after a 7-2 win over Gravesham/wellcome Unicorns. Jay Newell led the way with a hat-trick and there were two goals each for Dave White and debutant Stuart Pywell. The 5ths maintained their 100% record in the same division with a 6-1 win at Burnt Ash 7ths. Matt Young hit a double with singles from Mark Hart, Dan Chamberlain, James Newman and Adrian Hawkes.

Bay ladies lost their unbeaten record in Kent League, Division 1, going down 3-2 at Maidstone 2nds which saw their lead at the top cut to a point. Their nearest challengers claimed the win despite goals from Lucy Marks and Sophie Forwood. The ladies’ 2nds ensured a sixth straight win, beating New Beccehamian 3rds 4-0 in Division 4. Amber Potter struck twice with other goals from Mary Potter and Hannah Evans as Bay stayed third. Bay’s 3rds went top of Division 5 with a 3-1 success against Maidstone 4ths. Hannah Evans, Georgia Anelay and Lucy Hayward were on the mark as Bay made it seven games unbeaten.