It was a lifeless return to league action for Herne Bay after their cup exploits of recent weeks against a rejuvenated East Grinstead, bolstered by new signings and loanees that belied their lowly league position.

“Let’s not get away from the fact that we were terrible today for whatever reason”, said Herne Bay manager Sam Denly, “it was a very flat performance, the crowd were quiet, it was flat and not good enough, we got what we deserved.”

Harsh words indeed from the boss but astutely accurate. Denly had rewarded youngster Elliot Cutts with a start following his recent performances coming on as a substitute and it was he who made the opening goal in the 18^th minute.

Released down the left by a slide rule pass from Frannie Collin, he cut inside and stung the hands of the visiting ‘keeper Aiden Prall who cou;d only parry the ball into the path of Joe Nelder. There was only ever going to be one ending to this move as Nelder smashed the ball into the net to give Bay the lead.

Both teams huffed and puffed their way through the remainder of the half until four minutes before that came to an end when East Grinstead grabbed an equaliser with a text book move. Ade Joshua sent a looping cross in from the right and Javlon Campbell connected at the far post with a thumping header.

After the break, more of the same was served up to this reasonably sized but relatively quiet non league day crowd. In the 75^th minute, the game flared up as Campbell went round Russo and seemed  destined to put Town ahead but Russo slipped and, in doing so, upended the charging East Grinstead forward just outside the penalty area.

Russo saw red for denying a goal scoring opportunity, the eighth different Bay player to be dismissed this season. The resultant free kick was, however, blasted over the bar.

As in previous matches where Herne Bay have been reduced in number this season it seemed to galvanise the team and they had by far the better of the closing exchanges, the best of which was Johnson’s left wing cross that Prall had to be at his best to turn Frannie Collin’s header over the bar.

“The goal was well worked, probably the only good bit of football we played first half”, said Denly, “we knew what the problem was but it was hard to make an impact, It was just a flat performance. Everyone has a bad day at the office, we’ve managed to get a point so we’ll take that. Frustrating.”

 

Herne Bay: Jack Delo, Georgio Russo, Nathan Eastwood, Dan Johnson, Liam Quinn, Connor Sanders, Joe Nelder, Dan Parkinson (Steven Ita 54), Frannie Collin, Elliott Cutts (Danny Williams 69), James Turner (Kane Phillip 54).

Subs not used: Kane Butler, Harry Brown.

Sent Off: Georgio Russo           Cautioned: Nathan Eastwood

 

East Grinstead Town: Aiden Prall, Billy Parkinson, Tom Carlse, Ross Morley, Jon Difford, Greg Haydon, Ade Joshua, Junior Kaffo, Javlon Campbell, Greg Cundle (Hassan Ibrahim 78), Casey Johnson.

Subs not used: Callum Emptage, Mishal Smith (only three subs named)

Sent Off: None  Cautioned: Jon Difford.

 

Referee:  Dean Skipper Assistant Referees: Tom King & Simon Hearn

Man of the Match: Dan Johnson (Herne Bay)

Attendance: 218

Photo credit: Steve Barton – Joe Nelder powers home