Herne Bay Harriers 7 Faversham Strike Force 7

Harriers drew first blood in this top of the table clash when O. Love was upended in the penalty box and B. Tamplin dispatched the resulting penalty. Soon after Love extended the lead from close range after Strike Force failed to clear a corner.

Despite playing against the wind Strike Force gave a good account of themselves justifying their lofty league position. With 2 clinical examples of finishing they found themselves back on level terms.

However, the home side continued to create opportunities and restored their lead when C. Tait intelligently lobbed a loose ball from a corner over a crowded goalmouth. Soon after Tait was alert again when a Tamplin shot rebounded from the crossbar and he was on hand to finish from close quarters. Before the break Tait turned provider when he cut in from the left wing and drew the centre back and passed to D. Van Orsouw who thumped home from 8 yards.

After the restart Harriers appreciated how much influence the wind had on the game. B. Hibben and S.Hillier defended resolutely but eventually their defences were breached. Indeed, Strike Force lifted by the favourable conditions were able to add 2 further goals to level the match.

In a pulsating final quarter Tait restored Harriers lead with a left foot drive, only to find the visitors equalising again. The game ebbed and flowed and the spectators were thoroughly entertained. Indeed, in the final minutes Tait once again got the better of the full back and beat the keeper for the 4th time in the match. With time running out it seemed that Harriers would get all 3 points, but, the visitors were not to be denied their contribution and in the dying seconds defensive uncertainty was punished to ensure the points were shared. On a cold damp day every parent had enjoyed this close encounter of a football kind!