John Smith Memorial Cup

Herne Bay Harriers 8 Ramsgate Youth 6

In a feisty and unsporting encounter Harriers edged out the visitors from Ramsgate to progress to the quarter-final stage of the Cup.

Harriers took an early lead when B. Tamplin calmly rounded the keeper to fire into an empty net.

The lead lasted barely two minutes before Ramsgate equalised.

However, by the halfway mark of the half Harriers had established a three goal lead with a delightful near post header from D. Lewis, another header from C. Tait from a corner and a Tamplin penalty.

Harriers became distracted by the gamesmanship after J. Blackwell nudged home Harriers’ fifth and by the break the lead was cut to two goals.

After the re-start Ramsgate came out in determined fashion and Harriers buckled under pressure and Ramsgate levelled in next to no time.

Some positional re-shuffling brought some composure back to the Harriers side and they started to look like the side most likely to score.

Tait restored Harriers lead after 56 minutes being on hand to fire home a loose ball from a corner.

Unfortunately, while Harriers sighed with relief Ramsgate hit back immediately.

With 18 minutes remaining, the ever reliable H. Evans popped up from the left wing to fire home past the desperate dive of the keeper to restore Harriers narrow advantage.

Moments later, another right wing cross was attacked at the near post by Lewis whose outstretched leg was able to beat the keeper all ends up.

Despite loosing a player for a second bookable offence, Ramsgate started to play some very good football but the clock was now against them and Harriers held out.

The next cup visitors to the Bay will be Deal Town Rangers on 18^th November.