It could, and perhaps should, have been a more emphatic scoreline, such was Herne Bay’s dominance in this match but a second consecutive win of the new league season underlines Bay’s determination.

Sophie Gifford made a welcome return to the starting line up and might have had her name on the scoresheet several times had it not been for some resolute defending from the visitors and a solid performance from Hannah McNamara in the Glebe goal.

Indeed, it was that combination that set up Jemma Barton for the deciding goal just as the half time whistle beckoned. Gifford blazed a powerful shot goalwards that McNamara parried only for it to rebound to Jemma Barton who looped her effort into the net. Cue visible relief!

After the break, the match continued in much the same vein. Bay might have increased their lead with several forays forward but in the end had to settle for the lone goal, enough to give them the three points. “It was a gritty, gutsy performance against a side that, for most of the time, had 10 players behind the ball”, said manager Peter Whittaker, “certainly frustrating, but we got the three points and that is what was important”.

Herne Bay FC Ladies: Sarah Cooper (GK), Lucy Page, Kayleigh Mount, Jemma Barton, Kerry Grant, Kate Foster (captain), Megan Pearce, Saraya Phillips, Sophie Gifford, Chloe Woolaway. Abigail Duff.

Subs (roll on/roll off): Katie Reeves, Jade Childs.

Player of the Match: Kerry Grant