A scoreline that really flattered Phoenix Sports and did not reflect the number of chances Bay had to score; the second half in particular, six gilt edges chances none of which found the back of the net.

The first half we were second best to Phoenix for 40 minutes despite the constant pressure Simon Overland’s goal was well protected but then the defence went to sleep and in the next five minutes Bay were 2-0 down. Goals from Jack Barry and Kenny Aileru.

Bay were denied a penalty midway through the half when Ronald Sobowale was shoved to the ground but the official waved away Bay’s appeals.

Bay started the second half taking the game to their hosts. Good efforts from Simon Kabamba and Connor Wilkins showed their intent after three minutes of the restart. From a free kick Danny Leonard drove the ball through a crowded defence to reduce the deficit. Unfortunately Phoenix hit back straightaway with Aileru netting his second three minutes later.

Undeterred Bay pressed forward and were virtually camped in Phoenix’s half, threatening to score with almost every attack. Bradley Schafer hits a volley just wide and follows this up with a power header from Raphe Brown’s cross which smashed onto the cross bar. From another Brown cross Victor Aiyelebola heads inches wide.

From another free kick, a diving Danny Rumbol header whistles over the bar and Leonard has his goal bound shot saved by keeper Phillips. Phoenix responded with a quick break and Overland was forced into producing a great save. Back came Bay; Schafer lobs the advancing Phillips but luck was just not on our side, as the ball bounced up over the bar when everyone in the ground felt sure it was a certain goal. Sobowale did reduce the deficit in the 81st after he disposed Phillips and slotted home into the empty net.

Then, against the run of play and with only 4 minutes left on the clock, Jeff Duah- Kessie latched onto a long ball over the defence to beat Overland in a one-on-one situation. Aileru scored his third and Phoenix fifth as Bay pushed forward.

A disappointing result with a scoreline which wasn’t a true reflection of the game.

Herne Bay: Simon Overland, Simon Kabamba, Luke Addy, Ben Gorham, Danny Rumbol, Connor Wilkins, Bradley Schafer, Dan Birch, Ronald Sobowale, Victor Aiyelebola, Danny Leonard

Subs used: Raphe Brown (Wilkins 47) Freddy Rumbol (Addy 82) ,

Not used: , Leshawn Clifford-Awoyemi Harry Miller Tahjae Anderson