Town Win Damp Kent Derby - Herne Bay vs. Faversham Town

A soggy Winch's Field

For my final game before I return to the north, I braved the rain for the Kent derby between Herne Bay and Faversham Town in the Ryman League Division One South. A couple of weeks ago I travelled to Margate as they said they were confident that their game would survive the torrential rain. It didn't. After that game was called off I dashed to Herne Bay only for their game to called off at the last minute as well. The hosts were suffering from a recent dip in form which had seen them slide down the table while the visitors remained in play off contention. A few seasons ago I saw the reverse of this fixture at Salters Lane in the Kent Shield which ended in a draw.

Kick off in front of the club officials' stand and dugouts

There was serious doubts about the game going ahead and the heavy rain an hour before kick doesn't help the pitch. It doesn't hinder Faversham however who take the lead within three minutes. The winger cuts inside and is able to beat the defender and slot home. The visitors appear to adapt to the conditions a lot quicker and they soon make it two. From the same flank, the Faversham player cuts in side and powers his shot past the keeper. There were some complaints from the home side that a defender had been fouled but the referee ignored the protests. The home side have a chance but the shot from just outside the box is well saved. They also force a succession of corners but they go in two nil down.  

The main stand just before the second goal went in

The rain eases at the start of the second half and Herne Bay begin to get back in the game. They have lots of the ball in the final third but fail to work the keeper. Faversham almost make the game safe when they create a chance inside the box but the ball is thundered on to the bar. Again, the home side are able to force several corners but nothing comes of them. The home keeper has to tip over a free kick but the visitors claim a late third to seal the victory.

Herne Bay on the attack in the first half

Trains to Herne Bay depart from London Victoria and occasionally London Bridge. The London Bridge journey is a bit shorter but less frequent. The journey takes about an hour and a half and Winch's Field is a brisk ten minute walk from the station. Before the game I went to The Four Fathoms on the High Street which had some impressive Christmas decorations! There are also several chip shops on the High Street. The clubhouse is quite large and friendly and the burgers are worth trying. On the way back to the station I made a flying visit to The Heron which is next door to the station.

View from the interior of the stand