Last Saturday night, Herne Bay United put in their best
performance of the season as they took on current league
leaders Manchester at the Pier Pavilion, Manchester had the
majority of the possession for the first 10 minutes, and finally
made their pressure pay with one of their two spanish players
‘Jaixer Burgos’ scoring with a slap shot from long range.

This was the signal for United to up the tempo, within four
minutes Brendan Barker had levelled the scores when his shot
come cross was kicked into his own goal by a Manchester
defender. Barker scored again with a great flick shot from a tight
angle, United were 2-1 ahead with four minutes remaining in
the first half.

Manchester kept pushing for the equaliser, and if not for a string
of fine saves from Keeper Dave Garlic, the visitors could have
been in front. HBU weathered the storm, and Sam Jackson put
United 3-1 up finishing from close range after Barker had
dribbled a couple of players before slipping the ball into the
path of Jackson.

Barker who looked dangerous every time he got the ball, scored
again with 1 minute left on the clock to make it 4-1. There was
still time for United’s Nick Barton to be shown a blue card, and
sin binned for an altercation with a Manchester player. The
visitors were awarded a penalty, which Garlic saved. At half time
the score was 4-1 to United.

Manchester attacked right from start of the second half, having
pushed too many men forward they were caught on the counter
attack, Simon Hosking made it 5-1 after only 40 seconds of the
half. Player manager Phil McVey followed his teammate into the
sin bin, after the referee had judged him to have fouled Burgos.
Another penalty to Manchester, another fine save from Garlic.

United were now growing in confidence, and looked dangerous
with every attack. Sam Jackson scored a brilliant team goal,
arriving at the far post to tap in a pass from Hosking into an
empty net. United dominated the remainder of the game,
running out eventual winners 12-1.

United player manager said after the game: ‘That was a great
result, it was without doubt our best performance in the last 18
months since I’ve been managing the side. Every single one of
the lads did exactly what was asked of them. If we can maintain
that form, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t retain our title. I
was especially pleased with Brendan Barker, and Dave Garlic,
both players were exceptional, although the whole team were
magnificent. We just have to make sure we keep this form going.
We have to go to Middlesborough and Manchester in a fortnight,
those two games will not be easy, and we need to win both if we
are to win the league again this year.’

United have now returned to the top of the league.

HBU’ goalscorers were: Simon Hosking 2, Nicky Barton 3,
Brendan Barker 3, Sam Jackson 2, Nick Espejo 1, Karl Smith 1.

Man of the Match: Brendan Barker

Submitted by Herne Bay United RH&SC

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Reporter: Kos Galtos