Bay remain in title hunt

Herne Bay

Herne Bay returned to winning ways with a 6-0 win at Tunbridge Wells in South League Kent Division 2. Bay’s sixth win in seven puts them second, six points behind leaders Sevenoaks 3rds but with a game in hand. Kriss White and Sam Thompson each scored a hat-trick as the visitors ran-in three in either half. Bay 2nds suffered their first defeat since midOctober but remain top of Kent Open Premier B on goal difference, with a game in hand, after a 3-2 defeat to second-placed Marden Russets 2nds. The visitors stormed into a three-goal half-time lead but Bay improved and Simon Newman-collins and Peter Nash reduced the deficit but Bay were unable to snatch a point. Division 1 leaders Bay 3rds wre 4-0 winners against second-placed Deal 2nds to tighten their grip on the division. Adam Foster broke the deadlock before half-time and went on to complete his hat-trick, with James Nash adding a fourth. The 4ths are third in Division 4 after thrashing New Beccehamian 4ths 11-1. Two early goals set the tone as Bay coasted home with hat-tricks from Jay Newell, Paul Mcvey and Sully Gould with Alfie Forbes and Jos FielderGeurts also on target. The 5ths remain top of the same division despite a 2-2 draw at Sutton Valence 4ths. Dan Chamberlain and Jamie Newman netted for Bay, who face the 4ths on Saturday. The Ladies 2nds moved up to third in Kent League Division 4 after a 2-1 win at Remnants. Mary Potter opened the scoring but good keeping kept prevented a second and the hosts scrambled a leveller before half-time. After the break, Bay’s Amber Malley impressed down the left and they grabbed the winner with five minutes remaining when Amber Potter bobbled an effort through a forest of legs to win it. Bay 3rds remain top of Division 5 on goal difference after a 2-2 draw at Burnt Ash 5ths. Hannah Evans and Georgia Taylor goals should have earned a point but Bay failed to provide a qualified umpire and consequently forfeited the point.