Leaders find another gear

Herne Bay

Herne Bay 2nds remain top of Kent Open Premier B after a 7-0 win at Tunbridge Wells 3rds.

Craig Dale skippered the side in the absence of Alistair Mackinnon and Bay soon went ahead through Sam Maybourn, although they couldn’t extend their lead before the break.

Bay found another gear after half-time, though, and swept Wells aside with Maybourn getting his second before Tom Salvatori and Sam Thompson scored two each. Lee Gardiner completed the scoring. Bay 3rds won 3-0 at home to BBHC 3rds in Kent Open Division 1.

The hosts had to defend solidly for long spells in the opening half but Matt Newman broke the deadlock just before half-time.

Bay took control after the interval and wasted a host of chances before Newman’s second and a Tom White strike ensured the points and kept Bay second after a third straight win.

The 4ths remain hot on the heels of the 5ths at the top of Kent Open Division 4 with a 4-0 success at Sutton Valence 4ths.

Bay opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Dan Chamberlain’s shot eluded the keeper with the help of a deflection.

A mix-up at the back soon after allowed Jos Fielder-geurts to fire into an empty net and midway through the second half, Clive Cripps netted at the near post with a well struck shot.

It was four late-on after a fine move saw the ball pulled back for Jay Newell to smash home.

The 5ths maintained their 100% record with a 10-0 win over Ashford 6ths.

A rampant Bay were 6-0 up at half- time and added four more before the close thanks to hat-tricks from Jay Newell and Matt Young, two for Adrian Hawkes and singles from Jamie Newman and Alistair Mackinnon.

Bay Ladies remain top of Kent League Division 1 after pipping Sevenoaks Acorns 4-3 on the road.

The victory was an immediate response to their first defeat of the season last time out and came on the back of two goals from Gemma Cathcart and Sophie Forwood.

After six straight wins, Bay 2nds went down 3- 1 at home to Blackheath/ OES 3rds.

Sally Pywell netted Bay’s consolation as the hosts were punished for individual errors and poor decision-making.

The 3rds remain top of Division 5 after Bromley/ Beckenham 6ths were unable to field a side, conceding a 4-0 win and the points.