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Herne Bay storm back to the top

HERNE BAY stormed back to the top of the Go Travel Kent League following their 4-1 win at bottom of the table Lordswood.

The game almost started with a bang with both sides going close from corners in the opening minutes.  Danny Kedwell shooting over whilst under pressure for the visitors before Lordswood's Ashley Russell headed over.

Another chance for Herne Bay came when Simon Brown's volley flew just past the post but they deservedly took the lead after 18 minutes when Kedwell, a former Lordswood player, headed home from ten yards.

Lordswood, however, almost hit back four minutes later when Andy Skinner's floated free kick sailed over the bar.

Jason Lillis' visitors increased their lead a minute later when Kedwell led the charge and passed inside to Dave Masters, whose initial shot hit Russell but the former Kent cricketer fired in the rebound.

Lordswood's Ray Broad took a quick free kick which went past the post with visiting goalkeeper Jack Delo stranded.

Lordswood player-boss, Paul Piggott thwarted Masters with his legs following a raid from Steven Lloyd.

The second half was only seven minutes old when the referee gifted the home side a penalty.  Mike Cunningham's shot from the edge of the box was fumbled by Delo.  Andy Doerr retrieved the ball but his shot was adjudged to have hit Sam Denly's hand.  The penalty was awarded without any appeals and Cunnnigham despatched the penalty into the bottom right hand corner.

Herne Bay regained their two goal lead when Lloyd headed home from ten yards in the 58th minute.

They wrapped up the victory with twelve minutes left.  Shawn Mitchell's pass found Masters on the edge of the box and he turned and shot, the ball flying into the back of Piggott's net.

Bay almost made it five late on but Piggott did well to tip Lloyd's header onto the bar and Skinner was there to clear the danger.

Lordswood: Piggott, Burrett, Russell, Brown, Colyer, Skinner, Broad, Cunningham (Almond 74), Doerr, Hetterley, Sharp (Crust 57).  Subs: Gallagher, Dengate, Lewis