The 60s started slowly against a strong opposition. We were on the back foot from the off and struggled to catch up. We couldn't hold our shape and were guilty of ball watching rather than tracking the opposition.
Herne Bay enjoyed most of the possession and moved the ball well. They managed to find space and create openings with Jan making a string of saves to keep us level. Unfortunately, their pressure eventually paid off and a swiftly moved ball cut through our defence and a low shot from the right was too good for even Jan to keep out.
Herne Bay soon doubled their lead with almost an identical move. We just couldn't match Herne Bay and the limited possession we had we struggled to get moving forward. Rupert was starved of any sort of ball and he was well covered by the opposing defence. He was isolated and we were chasing shadows.
Before the first half was finished Herne Bay got a third when again we were opened up as they came forward. That was how the first half finished.
Following a stern talk at half time which didn't hold back on what was an extremely poor performance in the first half. We came out for the second half with a renewed vigour and a desire to rectify the shortcomings and give a better showing.
The start however, couldn't have been worse. Herne Bay broke down their left and the ball was squared to their forward who was free in the centre. He scuffed his shot completely but this just managed to send Jan the wrong way and the ball dribbled into the corner of the goal.
From here, however, we were a different side. We now started to play football and use the width of the pitch to find space. Andy was getting space and was driving forward. He created a hole and took an strike but the ball flew high and over. Shortly afterwards, Mike won the ball in the midfield and his ball forward cut Herne Bay in half and freed up Rupert clear through. His shot, however, was well saved by their keeper.
We continued to create opportunities with Andy and Rupert both having chances but it was Mike that came closest to opening our account. He picked up the ball in the centre of the pitch and moved forward before hitting a hard strike that took a deflection and looked to be heading into the corner before the Herne Bay keeper dived full length to his left and pushed the ball round the post.
We were now the better team and were moving the ball well. Fresh legs were introduced and we continued to enjoy good possession. we were defending better and Jan, when called upon, was equal to anything Herne Bay hit at us. Unfortunately, their defence and their keeper was also doing well and thwarted anything more we tried.
The game finished without any further scoring and a final score Canterbury 0 - 4 Herne Bay.
My thanks for the efforts of the 9 players who picked themselves up at half time and provided an excellent performance in the second half and probably deserved to get on the scoresheet.
Additionally, my thanks to the supporters who braved the cold weather to watch the team, especially the 50s who tried to boost the team and help guide the players from the side lines.
For the string of top class saves throughout, the Player of the Match was Jan Knott.
Paul
