The football week started on Tuesday, writes Steve Barton, with the Under 21s defeating Holmesdale 4-0. The previous Saturday the University of Kent had won both of their games in the double header with Soccer Elite which confirmed that the title was theirs. Alan Birchard’s charges were in action again on Thursday when the 2-1 win over Seven Acre & Sidcup confirmed that Herne Bay would be runners-up.

The Under 18s were also in action twice. On Thursday they travelled to Horsham in the quarter-finals of the John Ullmann Memorial Trophy but came away beaten 2-0. The league fixtures are hopelessly behind because of the weather and cup commitments and on Sunday Phoenix Sports were put to the sword 4-3. Bay still have 12 matches of the season left and any of six sides could still win the title. With over 25% of the league fixtures still to be played there are a plethora of permutations to take into account but it looks like Margate and Ramsgate will be Bay’s nearest rivals.

The Ladies were without a match this week and they were dealt a blow when on Sunday they learnt that Long Lane had beaten Castle Colts 5-0 which ended the outside chance of Bay winning the league. The Ladies are confirmed as runners-up. Long Lane have lost just twice this season from 16 outings – both to Herne Bay.

Following the euphoria of the win over Leatherhead the first team visited Burgess Hill Town on Wednesday. It is unusual to travel home feeling happy after a defeat but the performance was superb, apart from the first 17 minutes and the last three when the Hillians scored their three goals. Getting beaten when playing poorly is unacceptable but there is honour in defeat when commitment and passion is shown, especially as Burgess Hill are still play-off pretenders.

There was no way that the appalling performance previously in the season could be repeated as the Brickies visited Winch’s Field on Saturday. Another great game and the 1-1 draw did not reflect Bay’s dominance.

Well not long to go, August and the visit of Guernsey seems a distant memory and even the continuous rain seems a long time ago. It sure has been an interesting season.

This campaign has been full of highs and lows but one thing that we should all be proud of is that a team has been built around young and local players, with a few additions, and if there is any other team at our level or above that can claim the same or better then please let me know.

One thing that has struck me since being on the committee is how tight cash flow is. Ok, so this season may, or may not, be unusual because of the amount of postponements and with the mid-week rearranged games attracting up to 100 less fans into the Field of Dreams, income has been suppressed. The 50/50 club has had a poor uptake…are you a member? If not, why not? Details are on the website.

The match officials that are often berated by some amongst the crowd have to be paid expenses. This can cost up to £220 a match. Divide that by the £8, the adult non-concession admission charge, and you can see that we need loads through the gate just to pay for the men in black.

Rumours abound that despite the pyramid system, there may not be three relegated from the Ryman League Division One South. Last season’s bottom side Walton Casuals were reprieved and the same could happen before the start of next season. At the moment 6 clubs have either gone out of business or indicated that they will resign from steps 1-4. Eastbourne Town are already down and Crawley Down Gatwick will soon follow leaving most probably Redhill or Three Bridges or at the outside Corinthian Casuals or Whitstable filling the third relegation spot.

Peacehaven & Telscombe have already confirmed themselves as runaway champions at the first attempt with Leatherhead having gained the first play-off spot with Folkestone Invicta soon to follow. Guernsey and Hastings United fill the other top five positions with Burgess Hill Town and Merstham threatening to overtake them if they continue to slip up.

The Presentation Evening on Friday 16th May in the clubhouse is open to everyone and includes the Under 18s, Under 21s, Ladies and First Team awards. If you haven’t yet voted for the ‘Supporters Player of the Season’ then voting slips are available in the clubhouse.

The Quiz Night on Friday 23rd May is just one of several social events being planned for the summer break. Keep a lookout on the club’s website www.pitchero.com/clubs/hernebay for news of forthcoming events.

Herne Bay Football Club will be entering a team into the Canterbury & District Bat & Trap League. Home matches will be played at Winch’s Field on Wednesdays throughout the summer. If you are interested in a trial please see Mark Speed or any other member of the committee. If you are not interested then the bar will be open and you can enjoy a few sherbets on a summer evening in great company.

If you are over 40 and have represented Herne Bay in the past and you would like to play Veterans football then please let us know. We have expressed interest in joining a veteran’s league and are gauging interest from those who can still run around a pitch and kick a ball around. There would be matches approximately twice a month.

The most probable scenario for this period looks like another build in pressure across the southern half of the UK. At the time of writing, there was a slightly greater degree of uncertainty in the forecast detail for this period, but it does now look as though the southern half of the UK will again be influenced by high pressure, leading to a good deal of dry and bright weather, with temperatures climbing to above average values by day, but with the risk of some chilly nights.

Tuesday 15th April 2014. Hythe Town home. League 7.45pm kick-off.
Thursday 17th April 2014. Peacehaven & Telscombe home. League 7.45pm kick-off.
Saturday 19th April 2014. Merstham away. League 3.00pm kick-off.

At this time of the year fixtures change quickly with the weather and cup commitments, make sure you visit the club’s website. www.pitchero.com/clubs/hernebay for up-to-date details and all the latest news.