A well worked move with Bradley Schafer forcing a save at the near post in the opening minutes of the game showed great promise for a good result but a fluke goal in the 12th minute seemed to take the confidence out of Bay for the rest of the half.

A low scuffed cross knocked harmlessly into the penalty area somehow found its way past one defender and Keeper, Jordan Beeney, rolling against the post where Callum Saunders was the first to react to tap the ball home.

Buoyed by this, Haywards Heath controlled the rest of the half, dominating the midfield.

The second half was a completely different story. Simon Kabamba replaced debut signing Jean Kinsaba-Musi at the start of the half and his tireless energy caused Haywards Heath real problems.

Three minutes into the half, the other new signing, midfielder, Sonny Black dis-possessed the defender and pushed the ball through to Jake Embery who forced a good save out of Keeper Joshua Heybourn.

This was the start of the onslaught on the visitors goal: Two minutes later, Tom Carlton ‘s shot is parried by Heybourn, Schafer races in but his shot is superbly blocked defender Joshua Spinks. This is followed by Danny Rumbol shooting inches wide from the resulting corner.
Minutes later a cross from Rumbol was headed wide by Schafer.

Then came a spate of missed chances, mainly from poor headers; Kabamba races down the wing sends over a perfect cross but Embery heads wide. This was followed by Rumbol glancing Carlton’s corner kick wide and then Miles Cornwell forced a fine save from Heybourn who pushed it around the upright for yet another corner.

Danny Leonard replaced Connor Wilkins and he immediately made an impact. Picking up a pass on the edge of box he worked his way into danger zone, surrounded by five defenders.

With some tremendous footwork he worked his way clear and laid the ball back only for Carlton to rush his shot, blasting high over the bar. In the closing minutes with Bay piling on the pressure, Heybourn again saved Schafer’s header, denying Bay at least a point.

There was a general frustration all around the ground at the final whistle as Bay had not only lost the game but they just didn’t have any luck in front of goal in a half which they completely outplayed their opponents. But this is what seems to happen when you are struggling at the wrong end of table but if we continue to play like this the results are bound to come.

A very good performance on his debut for Sonny Black and a very solid performance from Afolabi, John, Coker who thwarted all attempts by Haywards Heath very powerful forward, Andrew Dalhouse who looked to be a danger on the break.

Must mention the tremendous support given by the youngsters of Herne Bay Youth FC who after being mascots gave fantastic vocal support to the team. Well done all.

Herne Bay: Jordan Beeney, Raphe Brown, Jean Kinsaba-Musi, Danny Rumbol, Afolabi Coker, Sonny Black, Bradley Schafer, Tom Carlton, Jake Embery, Miles Cornwell, Connor Wilkins
Subs Used: Simon Kabamba (Kinsaba-Musi 46)Danny Leonard (Wilkins 68)
Subs not used: , Jamie Chamberlain, Simon Overland, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner,
Mom: Tom Carlton