We'll get our feet firmly back on the ground, says Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey

HERNE BAY boss Simon Halsey says his squad will be fully focused when they welcome Cray Valley (Paper Mills) to Winch’s Field on Saturday.



Herne Bay booked their place in the quarter-finals of The FA Carlsberg Vase when they defeated Larkhall Athletic 1-0 last Saturday,  thanks to James Campbell’s 85^th minute finish, despite playing with ten-men following Tom Parker’s first half red-card.

They will travel to Gloucestershire to lock horns with Hellenic League side Shortwood United on 3 March, but before that historic FA Carlsberg Vase game, Steve Chapman brings his Cray Valley side to Winch’s Field with three points at stake.

Herne Bay are presently ten points clear of Erith Town at the summit of the Kent Hurlimann Football League with eleven games left and Halsey tells his side he wants three points ahead of the club’s first ever FA Carlsberg Vase Quarter-Final tie.

“Our celebrations are over and done with and it’s back to winning the Kent League,” said Halsey.

“The Kent League is our next aim so that’s the most important game in Herne Bay’s fixtures now.   We’ve got Cray Valley in the Kent League and we’re trying to win.

“I’ll be getting ready for training this week and Cray Valley is my next important game now.”

Halsey said he will not have any problems in getting his squad focused for Saturdays’ Kent League game.

He said: “I won’t need to get them down (of the ceiling).  I think they’ll have a drink and enjoy it and they’ll just get back on it and they know what’s expected of them.  They know what to do.  They do know what it’s all about.  They’ll enjoy the moment and then get back to winning.

“I’ve got a big squad, I’m carrying 22 so if anyone’s getting above their station then I’ll just leave them out and put someone else in and let them get their feet firmly back on the ground.

“The Vase is a bonus but we’ll get back into action on Saturday against Cray Valley and that will get our feet firmly back on the ground because we need three points on Saturday.  We’re ten points clear on equal games now. 

“We’ll get back into League action and make sure we get three points.  That’s what we’re aiming for.”

Meanwhile, the club have announced that they are organising a second supporters’ coach to Gloucestershire, subject to numbers.  Coach travel will depart Winch’s Field at 08:00 sharp on the day of the big game.  The fare is £20.

A club statement added: “The club will arrange for another coach if there is sufficient demand for one.  We will need at least 40 people on it so it is even more important to get in touch if you want to travel with the club.”

Supporters should contact Bill Dordoy 07748 992 525 or Ron Boddy 07515 647 530. 

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

Herne Bay  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Saturday 25^th February 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG