Herne Bay

Herne Bay suffered a setback in their bid to win promotion from South League, Kent Division 2, when they lost 5-1 at home to Gore Court 2nds. After five straight wins, Bay were confident of putting more pressure on leaders Sevenoaks 3rds, by beating Court, their nearest challengers, but they fluffed their lines as the Sittingbourne side ran out comfortable winners to move above them into second. The two teams are level on points but Court have a superior goal difference. Bay created several goalscoring chances, which were either squandered or kept out by an inspired performance by the Court keeper. After a bright Bay start, the visitors went ahead on 12 minutes following a short corner and soon after it was 2-0 after a quick break. Bay reduced the deficit just after half-time with an excellent short corner shot by James Stevenson, but Court restored their two-goal advantage from open play. In the last quarter, Bay continued to threaten but their defending became ragged and they conceded two further goals, the last just before the final whistle. Bay are away to Tunbridge Wells 2nds on Saturday. Team: J. Wigington, J. Stevenson, L. Bray, A. White, M. Lunn, A. Jones, S. Hinsley, J. Bennett, S. Watson, T. Rees, K. White, S. Thompson, S. Newman-collins. Herne Bay 5ths maintained the lead in Kent Division 4 when they were handed a 5-0 walkover by visitors Gravesham/wellcome Unicorns who were unable to field a team. They are away to Sutton Valence 4ths on Saturday. The weather took its toll on the away fixtures for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams, all of whose games were postponed. The 2nds host Marden Russets 2nds at Herne Bay High on Saturday (start 2pm), while the 3rds are at home to Deal 2nds (12.30pm) and the 4ths host New Beccehamians 4ths at 3.30pm.

Herne Bay ladies lost for the third time in four matches, going down 3-2 at home to Holcombe 2nds in Kent Division 1. Bay remain second but they have played two more games than leaders Maidstone 2nds and the team below them, Brom/beck 3rds. Bay played well as an attacking unit and a goal from skipper Lucy Marks gave them a half-time lead. Sophie Forwood doubled that lead soon after the restart but a resilient Holcombe side reduced the arrears and then defensive frailties in the last 20 minutes saw Bay concede twice more despite brave goalkeeping from Jo Cox. Bay are without a fixture this weekend. Bay ladies’ 2nds had their game at King’s & Alleyn’s postponed due to the icy weather. They are away to Remnants in Kent 4 on Saturday. Herne Bay 3rds remain top of Kent Division 5 after a 1-1 home draw with Cliftonville 3rds. Both goals came in the first half with Cliftonville opening the scoring and Lucy Hayward levelling just before half-time. Bay are away to second-placed Burnt Ash 5ths on Saturday.