Herne Bay presented Chipstead with an early Christmas present of 3 points in a game which saw so many real scoring opportunities wasted with woeful shooting.

Apart from the opening two minutes when Nassim Dukali opening shot was turned around for a corner by keeper, Michael Sibley. Bay lacked any ambition with their play lacking any urgency.

The passing was very lethargic. Chipstead on the other hand pressed and had the best of the first 45 minutes. Leon Lalor-Dell was creating all the problems with his skilful play and speed of attack and he made Bay pay for some sloppy defending after chasing down a lost cause he kept the ball in play, with the Bay defence thinking it would go out for a goal kick, crossed and ran onto a poor headed clearance to drill the ball home, beating Ben Hunter at the near post. Bay tried to respond but Chipstead’s young 18 year old keeper was never called upon to make any form of a save throughout the rest of the half.

The second half was like ‘the Alamo’ with Bay camped in the hosts half for the first 30 minutes but they showed a real lack of composure with their shots sailing high over the bar from efforts inside the 18 yard box. Chipstead’s defence was very effective, blocking shots and forcing Bay into hurried goal attempts with Sibley having to pull off a couple of one-on-one saves.

Chipstead rarely came into the Bay half but when they did it was always from a quick, long ball counter attack. Ten minutes from time Lalor-Dell doubled the lead with his second goal; a fine volley from twenty yards into the top corner.

With the Christmas present all wrapped Bay handed it to Chipstead when they allowed substitute Dean Lodge to head the ball over the defence and then chase down the loose ball. Hunter was first to the ball but lost possession to Lodge who calmly stroked the ball into the empty net. Game over.

Bay drop two places to 13th being replaced at 11th by Hastings United and 12th by Thamesmead Town who both won today.

Herne Bay: Ben Hunter, Jack Steventon, Bradley Schafer, Richard Ismail, Jono Richardson,
Tyler Myers, Connor Wilkins, Tom Carlton, Josh Wisson, Junior Aikhionbare, Nassim Dukali
Subs Used: Mohamed Kamara (Steventon 28) Teddy Deverson (Myers 78)
Subs not used: Danny Leonard, Jack Hyslop

Att: 120