Herne Bay came within three minutes of claiming a deserved away point at The Pilot Field against promotion chasing Hastings United.

Reward for resolute defence in the face of a pacey attack was denied when Hastings outstanding striker Kenny Pogue finished with aplomb in the 87th minute.

Bay were the more impressive in the first half. Stuart King fired into the side netting following Dean Grant’s astute nod on in the 10th. Then on 25 King let loose from distance, his powerful shot nestled happily into Pellings’ grateful arms via a deflection. Joe Kennet looked to have given Bay a half time lead only for his header to go agonising inches the wrong side of the upright.

After the turnaround Bay continued in similar vein. Joe Nelder’s goal bound header on the hour was grasped by Pellings at the foot of his left hand post at the second attempt. Hastings were stung into action and pressed forward relentlessly with wave after wave being repelled with the Bay defence holding firm. However, whereas in the first 45 Bay were more inclined to play the ball out of trouble, the increased pressure and pace was met by safety first clearances that served only to invite the next wave of attack.

The Us were denied a 77th minute opener with Jack Delo pulling off the safe of the match to deny Tom Vickers from just 7 yards out. Then, with the clock running down, Pogue pinched the points, and Bay were left with too little time to respond.

A disappointed Denly said, “we had three good chances tonight, we’re a young side and learning, this time next year we’ll be winning matches like that. Some people were saying at the start of the season that we’d be playing Kent League football next season, that’s not going to happen.”

Herne Bay team: Jack Delo, Nathan Eastwood, Gary Sayer, Danny Walder, Joe Kennett (James Turner 90), George Benner, Sam Hasler, Joe Nelder, Stuart King (Jordan Casey 65), Michael Turner (Danny Lawrence 77) Dean Grant.

Sub not used: Elliot Cutts

Hastings Utd (0) 1
Pogue 87

Herne Bay (0) 0

Ryman League Divison One (South)
The Pilot Field

Attendance 323