Bay forward brings variety Isthmian League

Manager Ben Smith thinks new Herne Bay signing Aaron Millbank will offer something different to his side’s frontline.

Millbank has left Whitstable to join their promotionchasing local rivals.

He made his first appearance at Winch’s Field for Bay in their 1-0 win over Corinthian on Saturday.

Smith revealed he had tried to sign the ex-gillingham man last season and that he had rejected better financial offers in order to join Herne Bay this time around. “It’s a great signing. My phone blew up with people, saying ‘What a signing’, after it was announced,” Smith said.

“Aaron is a little bit different to the attacking players we have got. I tried to sign him last year but he stayed loyal to Whitstable.

“I have seen lots of reports that Aaron is motivated by money. He joined because he wants to compete at the top-end of the league. I know he has turned down more money elsewhere to join us. “He has taken a punt. It is difficult to move from Whitstable to Herne Bay but, sometimes, you need to look beyond that.”

At the other end of the pitch, 17-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Hanley marked his first Isthmian South East game for Herne Bay with a clean sheet after getting the nod ahead of Jordan Perrin. Kieron Campbell scored the only goal.

Bay host fellow high-fliers Ramsgate on Tuesday night after a free weekend. Faversham Town manager James Collins hopes new arrival Jono Richardson can provide some much-needed experience to his squad. Richardson joined the Lilywhites after being released by Ashford and was in the squad for their 1-1 home draw against East Grinstead last weekend, although he didn’t come off the bench.

Captain Harry Harding converted a penalty for Town. Collins said: “We felt like we needed that experience. “We felt, with the long throw we’ve got, he gives us extra height.

“He is an asset.” Richardson has previously been assistant manager at Sheppey but Collins said Richardson will only have a playing role at Salters Lane. Next up for Town on Tuesday is a clash at home to Hythe. Whitstable visit Chichester City in the FA Trophy this Saturday after an 11-day break.