Bay secure promotion

Herne Bay completed their South League Kent Division 2 season on a high by snatching promotion in their final game of the campaign. Needing to beat champions Sevenoaks to pip Gore Court 2nds to the runners-up spot and the second promotion place, Bay made the perfect start and Sam Thompson broke the deadlock after just 18 seconds after good work from Tom Salvatori. It was 2-0 within five minutes after a fine solo run and finish from Simon Newman-collins and although Oaks reduced the deficit midway through the half and pressed forward, Bay added a vital third on the stroke of half-time thanks to Kriss White’s short corner strike. Newman-collins fired home the fourth 10 minutes after half-time and although Oaks replied with a short corner strike, NewmanCollins completed his hat-trick after the ball had hit the bar. Bay negotiated the final 20 minutes without any drama to spark the celebrations. Bay 2nds took a big step towards the Kent Open Premier B title with a 6-1 win at Canterbury 5ths while nearest rivals Marden lost. Bay stormed into a 4-1 half-time lead and enhanced their advantage after the break with Paul Mcvey netting two and Craig Dale, Lee Gardener and Aaron White also on target. The 3rds went seven points clear at the top of Kent Open Division 1, with a game in hand, after a 3-0 win against Folkestone 5ths. The hosts led 1-0 at the break through Matt Newman’s strike and the second arrived shortly after the break through Adam Foster. He added a third moments later to ensure the points. The 4ths remain third in Division 4 after a 4-1 win at Gravesham/ Wellcome Unicorns. Alfie Forbes gave Bay the lead before the break and Jay Newell added a second after the restart and although Unicorns pulled one back, James Wigington and Newell’s second sealed victory. Leaders Bay 5ths made hard work of a 2-0 win over lowly Burnt Ash 7ths, a goal in either half from Simon Smith and Steve Collins proved enough for the win. The ladies saw their promotion chances in Kent League Division 1 ended by a 6-3 defeat at struggling Bromley/beckenham 4ths. Sophie Forwood netted a hat-trick but couldn’t prevent a fifth game without a win for Bay. The 2nds climbed to second in Division 4 after a fourth straight win, 2-0 against Gravesend 2nds with goals in either half from Lucy Barton and Sophie Buchanan. The 3rds remain top of Division 5 after a 6-1 win at K Sports 2nds. Hannah Evans’ strike was cancelled out by the hosts and she then missed a penalty stroke but Evans completed a hat-trick before half time and Sam Warren, Sarah Howard and Nicola Holmes increased the lead after the break.