It took a while for Bay to settle, former Maidstone United striker, Shannon Redhouse, was a live wire up front for Thamesview until Bay’s centre back pairing of Kerry Grant and Saraya Phillips developed a plan to combat her effectiveness.

At times, the football played by Herne Bay was a joy to watch. They were protective of the ball, for the most part, yielded it reluctantly and once Lauren Williams had put them two up by half-time, were able to relax into comfortability.

The hour mark heralded a real team goal, finished off by Abigail Duff’s first ever goal scored with her head, according to reliable sources at least. Career firsts were not be halted there. When Duff was scythed down in the box, Lauren Williams was given the ball to attempt to complete her hat-trick. She did, and that was a career first as well.

“Of course the result was great, no question about that”, said manager Peter Whittaker, “but it was the performance that was most pleasing, the manner in which we went about our business. Everyone was excellent today”.

The match was delayed at the start by 15 minutes following the non appearance of the nominated referee. With no other referee available, the two managers agreed on a mtually acceptable replacement. Howard Pearce took the mantle and officiated in exemplory fashion, thank you Mr Pearce.

Herne Bay now travel to Aylesford on Sunday 21st October in the second round.

Herne Bay FC Ladies: Sarah Cooper, Lucy Page, Kayleigh Mount, Saraya Phillips, Kerry Grant, Kate Foster (capt), Megan Pearce (Isabelle Quinney 60), Lauren Williams, Alice Phillips (Katie Reeves 70), Chloe Woolaway, Abigail Duff.

Player of the Match: Lauren Williams