With both sides suffering from a lack of first team players, this game was unlikely to become a spectacle. Neither was it much of a pre-season 'friendly' as both sides put in their fair share of crunching tackles. 

Bay looked the sharper of the two sides for most of the first half: first to the ball and more intelligent in their build-up play. Former Whitstable player Dan Lawrence was the stand-out performer with the Turner twins showing willing and guile. Former Bay and ex-Whitstable, Steven Lloyd, donning the red jersey for the second time in his career gave away a soft penalty on 6 minutes which was easily converted by the Herne Bay player. 

Steven Lloyd challenges 

In the absence of Jack Tanner, Cornhill deputised at right midfield 

Wisker looked the most threatening for Whitstable and forced a good stop from the Herne Bay keeper on the quarter hour mark and this was soon followed by a penalty shout as Vahid was brought down in the box. It was unclear why the referee - who had a pretty decent game - denied it.

Wisker

Dan Lawrence shot low but wide on 37 minutes and that was pretty much that for the first half. Whitstable had little to be proud of as they returned to the changing room.

Batten is second-best to the ball 

The Oystermen came out for the second half with more purpose about them. Dan Tanner and Jake Gess in particular stood out.

Dan Tanner drives forward from the left back position 

Within minutes, Batten fired a low cross across the area, but Vahid failed to connect. Ten minutes later, however, Vahid did find the net with his head, but he was adjudged fairly to have been offside.

Vahid heads home but is offside

On the hour mark, Jake Gess finally levelled the scores as he shot through a crowd of players from distance and kissed the badge in celebration. It was a deserved goal on his performance in the middle of the park.

Jake Gess scores

and is slowly becoming a Whitstable legend! 

With a minute of normal time to go, Herne Bay won a free kick just outside the area. The kick was well-taken, swerving around the wall, but McVicker - on for Fewell - saved it well low to his left.

McVicker saves a well-taken free-kick 

Elmes is second best to the ball

Dan Tanner keeps the ball in play 

But soon thereafter, McVicker spilled the ball, injuring himself in the process. The referee allowed the game to proceed and Lloyd made two goal-line clearances in quick succession.

The game went to penalties: McVicker saved the first, GS scored a very nice one, but ultimately, the Bay triumphed to retain the Bruce Smith shield for the second season in succession. On balance, they deserved it even if it hurts to say so! 

Whitstable score

But Herne Bay celebrate!

And retain the Shield...

Until next year!