HERNE BAY 2-2 UNITED | 1/1/24

HERNE BAY 2-2 ASHFORD UNITED
Isthmian League South East | Match 17
Monday | January 1st | 2024

MBS Stadium
3pm Kick Off
Att: 534
HT: 1-2 | FT: 2-2

Match Report By Keith Masters

Ashford United began 2024 with a well earned draw at Herne Bay on New Year’s Day.

United were without Ben Gorham, who picked up an injury in the 4-1win over Erith & Belvedere the previous Saturday and Tolu Jonah came into the side as replacement.

Herne Bay had the better of the early exchanges and Ashford’s keeper Chris Lewington was called on twice to save well.

Herne Bay took the lead in the 16th minute with a fine goal by Michael Salako. This ‘setback’ appeared to spur the visitors and Ashford came on well into the game.
Efforts from Kymani Thomas, Danny Parish and Vance Bola went begging.

The equaliser came on the half hour, Harvey Brand broke away from his defender midway into the Herne Bay half and following a good run, scored past Herne Bay’s keeper Harry Brookes.

Ashford took the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half.
A ball centred from the left was squeezed into the net between the goalkeeper and the right hand post by Vance Bola.

HT - Herne Bay 1-2 United

Ashford continued to dominate for much of the second half.
Vance Bola had three great efforts saved by Harry Brookes. He also hit the post with a fierce shot.

Herne Bay equalised in the 83rd minute through Kane Rowland and then proceeded to take the game to the visitors who found themselves having to defend resolutely for the remaining seven minutes, plus the seven minutes of additional time which they accomplished well.

An entertaining game played in a good spirit yet statisticians in the future may well be forgiven in assuming the game was anything but, as amazingly the referee issued nine cautions –
Four to Herne Bay (Pont, Friend, Rowland & Gilbert)
Five to Ashford United (Simms, Jonah, Bola & Carney)
Sometimes it beggars belief!