Herne Bay Harriers 5 Hugin Vikings 4

Having lost to Hugin in our first game in the top division, to take something from this game would have been a real show of how the team has come on since the start of the season.

With the normal right back absent, J. Sparks, and centre half C. Ennis struggling with a hip injury, it looked to be an uphill struggle.

We chose to kick uphill first half, and started the first 10 minutes promisingly, almost taking the lead.

However on their first two breaks, the speed of their centre forward proved too much for the flat back four.

An unlucky third followed soon after from the same player.

Then to add insult to injury, an unfortunate injury to goalkeeper G. Hof sidelined him for the rest of the game, so A. Hollingsworth volunteered to stand in.

During the injury break, a few tactical changes were made, most notably playing S. Mchugh as a sweeper and having A. Hoare man marking their 3 time goal scorer.

J. Waite was also introduced to the centre of midfield.

The team managed to show promise again, and kept the Hugin attack at bay, then just before half time, a lovely move enabled K. O’mara to break free and score, putting us right back in the game, and so we went in 3-1 down at half time.

With fresh instructions at half time, and S. Baddeley coming on asright back to replace the injured C. Ennis, and L. Ward in his favoured right midfield position, he was soon bombing down the wings and creating chances.

And within five minutes, K. O’mara scored 2 more goals to level the scores and complete his hat- trick, one of which was a lovely flick on from J. Fagg, which he then quickly followed up with J. Fagg’s first and the teams fourth.

Not long after, Hugin managed to squeeze in an equalizer, despite the defence of O. Capon, S. Mchugh, A. Hoare and S. Baddeley rendering their offensive efforts mostly useless.

With the midfield of D. Csuka, S. Bubb, J. Waite and L. Ward dominating, another goal was starting to look inevitable, especially as J. Fagg and K. O’mara were on fire.

The game was delicately poised, but the speed and ability of L. Ward lead to a superb run down the wing which resulted in a cool finish despite
nearly having run the length of the pitch at full speed.

With both teams desperately pushing for another goal, the final whistle came as a great relief, and a great result. 5 - 4 to the Harriers.