Ditton’s double sets up victory

New signing Sam Ditton bagged a brace as Canterbury City came from behind to beat Herne Bay Harriers 3-1 in their East Kent Under-16 Division 1 clash. The result evidently set the tone for the entire day, serving as a fitting preview for City’s 2-1 comeback win over Biggleswade to reach the semi-finals of the FA Vase. Harriers started the game the brighter, demanding stern resistance from the hosts’ defence and goalkeeper Joe Danton in their search for an opener. Their efforts were eventually rewarded before the interval when they took a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time. City mounted a spirited response after the break and soon levelled things up through a Josh Naylor header. Fine work from Ben Wiebe-willaims and Archie Tennant saw Ditton find himself through on goal, only for his saved shot to tee up nicely for Naylor to nod in the equaliser. The turnaround was completed moments later when Josh Payne and Jude King linked up well to assist Ditton, who was at hand to produce a clinical finish. Martyn Sexton’s side asserted their authority from then on and almost extended their lead with efforts from both Tom Franks and Jack Nickolson. Spencer Lela then made his mark on his return from injury as he found Nickolson, who left the ball for Ditton to grab his second. The result marked Canterbury’s first victory in February following the 3-3 draw with Canterbury Youth and the earlier 2-0 defeat to Hythe.