It’s going to be a great March and April because everyone’s got to play each other - Simon Halsey

Thursday 10th March 2011

HERNE BAY manager Simon Halsey says his side are fully equipped for the business end of the Kent League season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Bay meant business during their impressive 4-0 home victory over Erith Town last night, which saw them leapfrog over the Dockers into second place, level on points with leaders Hythe Town, who come to Winch’s Field for a potential title decider on 6 April.

Herne Bay have set a club record, scoring in each and every one of their last 48 games and goalkeeper Dan Eason has kept five clean sheets in the last six games.

“The business end was the turn of Christmas,” said Halsey, beaming after goals from Byron Walker (2), Dan Lawrence and substitute Peter Williams put his side joint-top.

“It’s going to be a great March and April because everyone’s got to play each other. Hythe are at home to VCD on Saturday, we’ve got a hard one at Sevenoaks. It’s who can keep this winning streak up again, is going to win the league.”

The Kent League title race is now between giants Hythe Town and Herne Bay. Scott Porter’s side are now unbeaten in 12 games (winning their last eight) and have 12 league games left to play, whilst Herne Bay have 11.

Halsey added: “I’m pleased with what we’ve developed over a very short time. It’s still only a year and a bit of a season that we’ve been together and I think we’ve developed so, so quickly.”

Looking ahead to their trip to Greatness Park to lock horns with Sevenoaks Town – Keith Levett’s side are presently sitting in seventh place with 9 wins and 3 draws from 20 league outings – but Halsey doesn’t expect an easy ride.

“It’s going to be tough,” warned Halsey. “They move the ball around very nicely. They’ll be strong. I just can’t wait now for Saturday to get out there.”

Recent history tends to favours the promoted champions progress to the Ryman League with another piece of silverware – although Herne Bay could clash with Hythe Town to contest the Kent League Cup Final too.

Hythe lead VCD 2-1 from the first leg, but Bay take a 1-0 lead to Corinthian next Tuesday night and Halsey is confident of progressing to the final, having won it last season, breaking Sevenoaks’ hearts in their first ever Kent League Cup Final appearance.

He said: “Take our chances and keep a clean sheet and hopefully we’ll be in the final.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net

Sevenoaks Town v Herne Bay
Safety Net Associates Kent League
Saturday 12^th March 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Greatness Park, Mill Lane, Seal Road, Sevenoaks, Kent