Although not a priority for either club, Herne Bay and Welling United contested a competitive Kent Senior Cup second round tie that was decided on penalties.

It appeared as though Herne Bay were going to claim the spoils until Bradley Pearce levelled in stoppage time and the Wings then went on to win the shoot-out.

Both managers made changes from their last outings with Taylor bringing in five players for their Welling first team debuts.

Clear cut chances were few and far between in the first half as the teams tried to work each other out. Brad Stevenson had Welling’s first shot on target against his former club but Billy Johnson got down well to make a good save.

Bradley Schafer’s long range shot was turned round the post by Sam Jackson then Laurence Harvey was unable to make enough of a connection to head home Rory Smith’s cross.

Just after the half hour mark Welling went ahead. Kristian Campbell burst down the left wing and pulled it back for Matty Hew to finish with a good low shot.

In first half stoppage time Aaron Millbank cut in but Jackson made a good save to ensure the Wings went in ahead at half time.

Jackson made two comfortable saves from Adem Ramadan at the start of the second half before Tom Derry appeared to be fouled in the penalty area but all claims were turned away

Dan Johnson levelled with just over twenty minutes remaining when he met Schafer’s corner which took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

Smith burst through and Jackson came out to make another excellent save before Herne Bay went ahead. This time Ramadan sent over a corner and Johnson rose to head home firmly inside the far post.

Kieron Campbell burst down the left wing, eased in and shot, but Jackson was equal to his effort, then Smith fired over when well placed.

That proved costly as the game moved into the additional four minutes. Stevenson shot but his effort was beaten out by Johnson as far as Pearce who unleashed a fierce unstoppable shot that stretched the net.

Ramadan, Antonio Hamilton, Smith and Jack Parter were all successful from the spot for Herne Bay as were Stevenson, Mason Saunders-Henry, D’Sean Theobalds and Derry for Welling. At four apiece, Jackson went the right way to save from Bode Anidugbe leaving Sharn Quinn to send Johnson the wrong way, and put Welling through. 

As a reward for their success, the Wings will host Tonbridge Angels in the quarter final.

Herne Bay: B. Johnson, McFarlane, Parter, Harvey, D. Johnson, Schafer (Campbell 75), Smith, Hamilton, Phillip, Millbank (Anidugbe 65), Ramadan.

Subs not used: Ansah, Carrington, Perrin.

Goalscorers: D. Johnson (69), (79)

Yellow cards: None

Welling United: Jackson, Pearce, Campbell, Janneh, Johnson, Perkins, Quinn, Theobalds, Derry, Hew, Stevenson.

Sub not used: Sims 

Goalscorers: Hew (33), Pearce (90+1)

Yellow cards: None

Attendance: 168

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.