Folkestone 1sts Vs Herne Bay

• 02/11/2011
• w 3-1
• Herne Bay

Folkestone Optimists sponsored by Jenner travelled to Herne bay for their fifth fixture of the season. Ops started the game with high spirits despite a disappointing loss last week, ops had solid possession and a quick goal came from Luke Smithard set up by linked play from Micah Smithard and Tom Bean. Ops continued to pressure with an intense work rate which rewarded them with a second goal, a drag-flick from Luke Smithard from a short corner. Ops went into half time with confidence high but knew they had work to do to see the game home. Folkestone came out in the second half slowly, and increased pressure from Herne Bay brought them a string of short corners, managing to convert one they got the score back to 2-1. Folkestone reacted quickly with a goal within a minute of the restart with good interchange from the Smithard brothers, releasing Bean to slot home calmly past the Herne Bay keeper who excelled, making some great saves throughout to keep Herne Bay in contention. Folkestone then got a grip on the game again, and saw the game out relatively comfortably with Neil Bristow controlling at the back with a man of the match performance.