Herne Bay gained revenge over Ramsgate following the 1-2 defeat back in December winning 3-1 in a scrappy, and at times a fractious, local derby.
Ramsgate came to Herne Bay having not won a game since they surprisingly beat Lewes 2-0 back in December 2017 but they started very positively playing a pressing game, forcing errors from the Bay players all over the field.
Despite this they never really troubled Ben Hunter. Bay struggled to get any passes to their own players and were continually chasing the game.
As the half progressed Bay started to get their play together and were pressing the rams defence.
Following a shot blocked with his arm by defender, Charlie Dickens allowed Bay to take the lead. Jake Embery making no mistake from the penalty spot despite quite a bit of gamesmanship from keeper, Jordan Carey.
Dickens received a yellow card for his infringement. In the closing minutes of the first half, Dickens received his second card for a reckless challenge on England U18 defender, making his first start for the first team, Sam McCallum.
Alfie Paxman levelled the scores straight from the restart volleying in from close range at the far post, but in a good six minute spell in the 63rd minute Bay restored the lead. Junior Aikhionabre wins a free kick on the left from which Tom Carlton crosses allowing Danny Rumbol to race in and glance a header past Carey.
Bay were now more dominant and were pressing strongly.
The lead was increased following a good run down the right from Bradley Schafer. His pass back to Josh Wisson gave Josh time to float the ball into the box where Junior stretched a foot out to deflect the ball wide of Carey into the far corner from eight yards out.
Rams play was now becoming more ragged and they were reduced to nine men when Jake McKenzie scythed down McCallum in the closing minutes.
A win and three points but not a very entertaining game for the 272 spectators to watch. A very good league debut for 17 year old Sam McCallum.
Made one mistake which led the Rams goal but apart from that looked very good on the ball and put in a real solid performance despite being the victim of two quite nasty challenges. Also good to see the return of Raphe Brown playing his first game since 14th November.
Saturday 17th February 2018
Bostik League Division One South
Herne Bay 3(1) – (0)1 Ramsgate
Att: 272
(Goals: Embery 31 penalty Rumbol 63 Aikhionbare 69)
Herne Bay: Ben Hunter, Danny Rumbol, Sam McCallum, Ben Gorham, Josh Wisson, Danny Leonard, Bradley Schafer, Tom Carlton, Jake Embery, Junior Aikhionbare,
Subs Used: Miles Cornwell (Leonard 60) Raphe Brown (Wilkins 78) Sami Meziane (Embery 89)
Subs not used: Teddy Deverson, Jack Steventon
Man of Match: Tom Carlton
Report by John Bathurst
Picture supplied by Steve Barton.