We can do better on our own big pitch, says Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey

HERNE BAY boss Simon Halsey says his side will take advantage of home comforts to progress into the national stage of The FA Carlsberg Vase, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Kent Hurlimann Football League leaders came back from Hanworth Villa with a 2-2 draw to earn a home Third Round Replay against the Combined Counties League side at Winch’s Field on Wednesday night.

“Exciting, Cup football, extra-time, it had a bit of everything really,” said Halsey.

“We achieved what we wanted to achieve and that was to make sure we were to be in the hat today.

“It wasn’t a bad day at the office.  For some reason everyone expects Herne Bay should go and win games but we knew it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“We’ve got them back to our place on Wednesday night and we’ll go from there.”

Hanworth Villa had won all of their eight league home games going into the game and Halsey explained why Rectory Meadow is a fortress for the west Londoners.

He said: “Don’t take nothing away from them, they’ve won eight out of eight at home and when you go to their pitch you can see why, it’s a very, very, very small pitch, but we done ok.

“I had a couple of big players’ missing but the pitch didn’t suit us on the day but we’ve gone there, away from home and come away with a 2-2 draw.

“Everyone knows our pitch is massive and it suits out game so we’re looking forward to Wednesday night.

“A couple of their players’ were talking to my players’ in the bar after the game and asking what our pitch was like and they’re going to come down and have another go at us. 

“My game plan was ok on Saturday, I feel they played to their strength which was the best they can do.  We can do better and back at our place I’m anticipating us getting a victory.  That’s just how I feel about it at the moment.  Back at our pitch I seriously don’t think they can play our pitch so roll on Wednesday night.”

Herne Bay were without the likes of Luke Harvey and James Campbell at the weekend – and Halsey revealed if it wasn’t for club secretary John Bathurst then the club would have been kicked out of the competition.

Halsey explained:  “James Campbell’s suspension came through for five bookings – although we never had the confirmation from the League!  We didn’t risk it so we took it on to ourselves of not playing him!

“We didn’t want to get into the situation of playing him when he should have been banned or we would have been thrown out of the competition!  It’s good keeping from the club, but we missed him big time. He’s massive for us.  He’s a leader at the back and the way they get the ball forward as quick and high as possible – that’s how their two goals came from.

“I just feel if we had James there we would have done the job if I’m honest.”

Halsey added:  “He’s only had the one game (ban) so he’ll be back in the starting eleven on Wednesday without a doubt.”

Herne Bay will travel to Northern League side Newcastle Benfield in the Fourth Round (Last 32) of the competition on 21 January if they ease past Hanworth Villa on Wednesday night.

Halsey said: “Absolutely superb!  Over the moon when I heard the draw. I’m glad we kept away from VCD or Tunbridge Wells, whoever wins that game, and that’s what the Vase is all about.  Yes, I’d like to been at home but it’s great to travel and get to go to different places, play different teams.  It’s a long journey but as long as we can do the business on Wednesday night I’m absolutely looking forward to going away to Newcastle Benfield.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net  

Herne Bay  v  Hanworth Villa
The FA Carlsberg Vase Third Round Replay
Wednesday 7^th December 2011
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG