Basement Whitstable overturned the odds to snatch three vital points in their efforts to avoid relegation thanks to a match saving performance from former Bay ‘keeper, Dan Eason, and Herne Bay’s inability to convert their dominance into goals.

“It was a very frustrating day, we know what we’ve done wrong today, we’ve not taken our chances”, said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, “when you create that many chances and don’t take them you’re not going to win games of football. They had three shots, got two goals, and that’s the difference”.

This was a bumper festive season crowd. Herne Bay’s biggest since their memorable FA Vase run four seasons ago but it was silenced just three minutes into the game. The Bay defence seemed mesmerised, almost statuesque, as the ball found its way through to Dean Grant from a long throw and the former Winch’s Field man got the important touch to put Whitstable ahead.

From then to the half time whistle, the play-off contenders battered the Oystermen’s penalty area with the visitors entrenched and relying on the occasional break to get over the half way line. Connor Sanders headed over, Elliot Cutts invoked a fingertip save from Dan Eason to push his shot round the post and Mark Lovell had a header hooked off the line although there will be plenty who would swear that it had crossed the line.

Just before the half hour mark, Eason again came to Whitstable’s rescue saving from Johnson’s shot after the Bay’s attacking left back had picked up on a delicious diagonal pass from Danny Walder then cut inside to shoot.

After the break, the home side continued to pile on the pressure but in searching for an equaliser, left themselves exposed at the back, and Harry Stannard took full advantage in the 63^rd with one of the best goals that will be seen at Winch’s Field this season. Racing down the left wing, he cut inside and sent a looping shot over Jack Delo’s head and dipping under the bar.

The Bay barrage continued and on another day they would have succeeded but this was a derby game and the unexpected can be expected. Mark Lovell had a penalty appeal denied, Wayne Wilson’s tackle adjudged strong but fair. Second half substitute Joe Nelder rose high at the back post but Eason pulled off a reaction save to deny him a goal and in stoppage time, Danny Walder’s free kick took a deflection and the excellent Eason adjusted and saved.

The final whistle condemned Herne Bay to their second successive defeat, but they remain in the play-off berths, and handed Whitstable what could be the start of a lifeline. Only time will tell for the aspirations of both.

“We were a little bit slow first half and they slowed the game to be fair to them”, said Denly, “we weren’t as energetic as I would like but over the course of the game we’ve created enough chances to have won this game. It’s disappointing but it’s now about how we react.”

“We’ve had a fantastic season, 2015 as a whole has been excellent, it’s a shame to finish the year like that. Derbies are like that, yes they are bottom of the league but it was always going to be difficult”.

 

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Michael Turner, Gary Sayer, Dan Johnson, Liam Quin, Connor Sanders, Danny Walder, Elliot Cutts (Lee Browning 62), Mark Lovell, Dan Parkinson (Joe Nelder 62), Danny Williams (Kane Phillip 70).

Subs not used: Nathan Eastwood, Harry Brown.

Sent Off: none  Cautioned: Gary Sayer, Dan Johnson.

 

Whitstable Town: Dan Eason, Ricardo Thompson, Reiss Crinnen, Sam Conlon (Jerry Adjei 80), Jack Sayer, Joe Kennett, Wayne Wilson, Sam Bewick, Charlie Smith, Dean Grant, Harry Stannard.

Subs not used: Kieran Edwards, Scott Punton, Callum Wraight, Harry Brooks.

Sent Off: none              Cautioned: Wayne Wilson, Sam Bewick, Charlie Smith.

 

Referee:  Nick Dunn                  Assistant Referees: Joe Stokes & Richard Joss.

Man of the Match: Dan Eason (Whitstable Town)

Image courtesy of Steve Barton