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Roller Hockey News 2002-2003 Season
Junior National Cup: Herne Bay United 3 - 5 Letchworth
Herne Bay United's youngsters suffered a 5 - 3 defeat by Letchworth in the National Junior Cup final. Letchworth's Matt Oaten scored halfway through the first half but HBU captain Joe Fidock equalised just before the interval.
The second half went the same way with Letchworth goals from Oaten and Chris Pay, before United scored through Stavros Zacharia. Pay scored with five minutes to go, but a minute later Joe Fidock pulled the deficit back to one. United had to put the pressure on in the final four minutes, but missed their scoring chances through tiredness. This allowed Chris Pay to score and put the match beyond United in the final minute.
Manager Ron Barker said: "In the previous meetings this season it has been just as close, but we have won. We did it by making player changes during the game which kept our energy going to the end of the match. With only four junior outplayers here that was not an option and the boot was on the other foot. Everyone tried really hard, they just got tired."
Team: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Ben Jackson, Stavros Zacharia, Byron Davis, Charlie Pughe
Posted: 10 July 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Senior National Cup: Herne Bay United 7 - 4 Letchworth
Herne Bay United added the National Cup to their Premier League title with a 7 - 4 victory over Letchworth in Middlesbrough on Saturday. Having won the league, United went into the game as odds-on favourites to lift the cup for the third successive year. Their top scorer Simon Hosking put them two goals ahead within five minutes. He struck a superb slapshot into the top corner for the first and hit the ball on the volley from his own rebound shot for the second. Five minutes later, Brendan Barker hit home a great slap shot in the top corner from a sharp angle to make it 3 - 0. With only 47 seconds left of the first half, Barker made it 4 - 0 from a goalmouth scramble, beating the keeper on his left.
For the first 10 minutes of the second half, there were no further goals, although the whistle was blown many times due to various infringements and fouls, especially by Letchworth who were shown six yellow cards, one blue and a red. United's keeper Dan Barton had been a strength to his side, but Letchworth showed determination to beat him and Pearce broke the deadlock in the second half by scoring with a close range effort.
United's reply came 30 seconds later when player-manager Phil McVey made a timely run up the rink, received a pass from team-mate Barker, and scored across the keeper to make it 5 - 1. Letchworth remained determined and scored almost immediately on the break. The final four goals came within the last seven minutes of match play, which took a further half and hour to conclude. Letchworth made it 5 - 3 with six minutes to go, but Barker replied with two goals within seconds of each other. Letchworth made it 7 - 4 to United with only 14 seconds left on the clock. McVey said: "We dominated the game from start to finish and I'm glad we saved one of our best performances of the season for the final. To go the whole season undefeated is an outstanding achievement."
Not only did the club do the double for the third year running, United's Neil Austin was awarded the NRHA player of the year. McVey was awarded the prestigious Henry Crystal player of the year award for his outstanding contribution to the sport.
Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Nick Barton, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Joe Fidock, Charlie Pughe, Brendan Barker, Garrett Priestley
Posted: 10 July 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Inter Regional Schoolboys Tournament
Herne Bay United Schoolboy team consisting of four first year schoolboys and two intermediates represented the South East Counties in the last inter regional tournament of the season in Plymouth. Their first game against Southern Counties 2nd, was relatively easy with Herne Bay United cruising to a 6 - 1 victory. Their second game against the North Eastern counties, the eventual winners of the tournament was a hard game with the North East eight-man squad including three England schoolboy players - the goalkeeper, and two England Junior players. United put on a magnificent display and were leading 4 - 3 until the dying seconds of the game when the North East scored the equaliser.
The third game was against the North West and this turned into a very exciting but fiery and at times ill-tempered contest, and United lost 4 - 0. The final game against Southern Counties resulted in a 4 - 4 draw.
Team: Joe Andrews, Robert Carnell, Sean Carnell, Joe King, Philip Morris, Charlie Pughe, James Sheppard
Posted: 10 July 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Junior Cup
Herne Bay United booked their place in the Junior Cup final after round-robin wins over Middlesbrough and Letchworth. In their first match at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday, United were faced by a full-strength Middlesbrough side that included England's senior goalkeeper, Ian Smith, and top man Stuart Hutchinson. But they were no match for a United outfit that hit them for six-literally! Stavros Zacharia (2), Byron Davis (2) and Sam Jackson (2) were the scorers in a fine win.
With the adrenalin still running, Davis scored five minutes into the Letchworth match. But as United began to flag, Letchworth equalised through Matt Oaten and Chris Pay put them ahead. In the second half, Arran Bowyer provided fresh legs to replace an exhausted Davis and United piled on the pressure. Captain Joe Fidock met a Jackson cross on the volley to make it 2 - 2 and, soon afterwards, Jackson himself scored the winner. Letchworth beat Middlesbrough in the third match and they will face United for the cup at the north-east club's venue on July 5
United: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Sam Jackson, Stavros Zacharia, Aran Bowyer, Charlie Pughe
Posted: 12 June 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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National Cup Semi Final: Herne Bay United 7 - 2 Sheffield
Another impressive showing sent holders Herne Bay United powering into the National Roller hockey League cup final. After a cautious start by both teams, United struck the first blow, player-manager Phil McVey embarking on a dazzling sprint over half the length of the rink before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball home, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Brendan Barker quickly made it 2 - 0 and, as United began to work up a head of steam, he set up Simon Hosking for a third goal. Sheffield, however, showed true character and Clare Haslam found an opening in United's defence to narrow the gap. Still United poured forward and Barker beat two players before finishing in style.
The second half began as the first half ended, with United dominant. Alexis Zacharia scored on the rebound within five minutes of the resumption and Hosking netted an individual effort. Haslam scored her second for Sheffield on a counter-attack before Hosking completed his hat-trick a minute from the end. Now bring on Letchworth in the final!
United: Daniel Barton, Phil McVey, Byron Davis, Stavros Zacharia, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Alexis Zacharia, Brendan Barker, Garrett Priestley.
Posted: 12 June 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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Premier League: Middlesbrough 5 - 5 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 17 May) and Grimsby 4 - 12 Herne Bay United (Played: Sunday 18 May)
Herne Bay United have won the Premier League title for the 10th year running. Despite a severely weakened squad, United have managed to pull four points clear of second-placed Letchworth after a pair of tough away games. Due to injury and work commitments, their squad had to consist solely of Daniel Barton, Garrett Priestley, both goalkeepers, Phil McVey, Stavros Zacharia, Sam Jackson, Neil Austin and Brendan Barker.
On Saturday they had to come from 5 - 1 down with six minutes to go to snatch a 5 - 5 draw at Middlesbrough. A Brendan Barker goal was not enough to swing momentum after conceding two quick goals and they were 4 - 1 down by half time. A goal for manager and skipper McVey kindled a little hope, and Barker followed it up with another to make it 5 - 3. With two minutes left Jackson conjured another, and in a moment of brilliance, with 32 seconds remaining, he fired one straight into the top left corner to bring United level.
The next day United went on to Grimsby confident yet exhausted, coming out comfortable 4 - 1 up at half time. Four consecutive Brenan Barker goals make it eight to the away team, and while a three-goal comeback from Grimsby might have stirred United nerves a little, McVey soon made it 9 - 4. From there, two more Barker goals hit home, and a stunner from Zacharia hit both crossbar and post to nestle in the back of the net, making the final score 12 - 4. With such tremendous form, and one piece of silverware assured, Herne Bay United must now have their sights on winning the double as the June 14 cup semi-final against Sheffield looms.
Posted: 5 June 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Minors National Cup
In the Minors National Cup qualifiers Herne Bay United Adders put on a tremendous show in Pool B. With their best performances of the season, they overcame Manchester 8 - 2 and Mayflower 11 - 1 and, putting up a brave fight against Herne Bay, the lost 3 - 1, their best goal difference against them this season. Despite being knocked out of the tournament, they still proved their worth in drawing with Group A winner Peterborough 2 - 2, with Joel Carnell receiving the accolade of the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Team: Joel Carnell, Myles Barker, Kai Dillon, Tom Hawkins, Kenny Lowe, Myles Tichband
Posted: 5 June 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National League Division 1
The latest National League Division 1 tournament pitted Herne Bay United against Herne United, in what was always going to be match of the day. Joe Fidock's opening goal provoked an equaliser from Robert Singleton, but Stavros Zacharia's two goals in the two minutes before the end of the half gave HBU a 3 - 1 advantage. Pressing further in the second half, Byron Davis' spectacular slap-shot went in to provoke an almost identical moment of brilliance from Singleton, keeping the deficit at two goals. Despite further Bay goals from Zacharia and Fidock, Herne piled the pressure onto their opponents' rocking defence to result in a good goal from Taylor, but HBU steadied themselves to allow no further score, making it 6 - 3.
The rest of the results saw Herne Bay United almost take a shock to the system as, relaxing after a 6 - 2 half-time lead against Houghton Regis, they bore the brunt of a bold fightback that saw the score to 7 - 4.
Herne Bay United: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Matt Barton, Stavros Zacharia, Jon Barton, Steve Clarke, Byron Davis, Alexis Zacharia, Charlie Pughe
Posted 5 June 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National Junior League
Herne Bay United recorded a clean sweep in roller hockey's National Junior League after playing five times this week. Saturday evening saw United (representing the South East) play Manchester (representing the North West) and Southern with wins of 13 - 0 and 9 - 0 respectively. Herne Bay United had to be back on the rink at 8am for another match against Southern, this time winning 18 - 1.
Their next opponents were Middlesbrough (North East). There was no sign of a goal until Joe Fidock finished off a superb pass by Sam Jackson and then made one for himself to make it 2 - 0 at the interval. In the second half HBU found the net three more times through Jackson, Zacharia and Fidock, with Middlesbrough finding a late consolation. After the 15 minute intermission a desperately tired United face the completely fresh Letchworth side, representing Eastern Counties. After going behind to Matt Oaten they hit back to win 2 - 1 through Jackson and Fidock to top the league with eight wins out of eight matches.
Team captain Fidock said: "We had the confidence to play our game which is naturally attacking."
Team: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock (16), Sam Jackson (23), Stavros Zacharia (4), Arran Bower (2), Charlie Pughe (2), David Beeson
Posted: 29 May 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Sheffield 1 - 16 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 10 May)
National Premier League title holders Herne Bay United again have the championship in their sights after a 16 - 1 away win against Sheffield on Saturday. With a game in hand and three points in the lead, United's next challenge may prove their toughest yet, playing away at Middlesbrough and Grimsby this Saturday and Sunday respectively. They journey north without a full strength team and player manager Phil McVey said: "Although we are looking the favourites to retain our title, we haven't won it yet. This weekend is the biggest of our season so far, but I have every confidence the players I have available will be up for the task."
McVey started Saturday's rout with a slap shot from a penalty after five minutes. Simon Hosking took on the last defender and the goalkeeper to make it 2 - 0 as United made full use of the rink and, although McVey then put a penalty against the bar, he recovered the loose ball to set up Sam Jackson for the third. Brendan Barker scored two goals in a matter of seconds, and Neil Austin's skill set up Jackson for the sixth and eighth, with Karl Smith coming on in between and scoring immediately.
England goalkeeper Dan Barton replaced Garrett Priestley for the second half, but was soon beaten by Sheffield's only female player. However, Hosking set up United's ninth with a clever backward pass for Smith, then coolly scored the next two himself, the 11th with a superb effort. Straight from the re-start, Barker followed suit and McVey, who brought a good save from the goalkeeper with a shot almost the length of the ink, then added the 13th with a clean, low shot. Hosking and McVey both scored again before Austin rounded things off with a sneaky shot.
Team: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Brendan Barker, Garrett Priestley
Posted: 15 May 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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SECRHA Schoolboys
An injury to goalkeeper Joe Andrews disrupted Herne Bay United's schoolboys in their SECRHA tournament in Plymouth. United were losing 3 - 1 at half time in their opening game against Maidstone when Andrews was hurt within the first few minutes of the second half saving a slap shot hit. He had to sit out the rest of the action forcing Jono Fell to try his luck in goal, a position he had never played. Bay eventually went down 8 - 1 to Maidstone but in the second game against Reading the team changed tactics to compensate for their inexperienced goalkeeper and triumphed 7 - 5. Late goals by Philip Morris and Charlie Pughe proved decisive.
United also beat Farnham 14 - 2 with goals from James Sheppard (8), Robert Carnell (4), Philip Morris (1) and Joe King (1). The last game was against Plymouth who put out a strong team but with Fell's increasing confidence and a neatly taken penalty by Sean Carnell they went on to win the game 6 - 4.
Team: Joe Andrews, Robert Carnell, Sean Carnell, Jono Fell, Joe King, Philip Morris, Charlie Pughe, James Sheppard
Posted 1 May 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Manchester 8 - 15 Herne Bay United (Played: Sunday 27 June)
United's second Premier league game of the weekend was against Manchester, who took full advantage of United's slow start, taking the lead in the second minute. Undeterred, United's player manager Phil McVey showed his skill and class by smoothly working the ball past two defenders to equalise. Thereafter, the strong Manchester side quickly reacted and took less than a minute to go ahead again. United responded by showing true championship quality by keeping focused and working the ball between the team, with Hosking making it 2 - 2. Hosking got another, putting them in from for the first time and McVey later made a rink-long pass to Hosking who made it 4 - 1. This raised the tempo of the match, and Barker scored United's fifth. With United picking up a yellow card on Barker, Manchester took this opportunity to score a good goal to the right side of the goalie and wasted no time to score another to be just one behind. Manchester showed fighting spirit and played well to equalise with a direct hit from good team play, making it 5 - 5.
The atmosphere was tense and Manchester gave away a penalty that McVey put in the bottom left corner. With only moments of the first half to go Barker scored a brilliant goal putting the Bay two ahead. Manchester could add only three more after the interval but United more than doubled their goal tally as the tempo rose and the shooting told its tale. All in all a good trip North for United's young stalwarts.
Posted: 1 May 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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Premier League: Sheffield 2 - 9 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 26 April)
At the weekend Herne Bay United faced their toughest test of the season so far with two away games, in Sheffield and Manchester. United started their away leg against Sheffield on the attack with several attempts at goals. This led to uncomfortable pushing and shoving of players by Sheffield, resulting in them being awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the game that missed the target. United wanted the early lead, yet Sheffield had other plans, which resulted in United being awarded their own penalty, just minutes after the penalty attempt by Sheffield. Player manger, Phil McVey, smashed the ball home with a shot into the bottom corner, United had found their lead. This was the catalyst to goal fever, with United's Hosking controlling the ball passing two defenders and scoring their second with a shot between the keeper's legs. Shortly after, Sam Jackson took a shot at goal from just inside the half way line, scoring United's third goal. Not content, United's Hosking went around the goal, with the defenders following, and scored their fourth in the left hand corner. With Sheffield seeing their victory hopes dim, there were some very strong challenges by both sides resulting in a Sheffield penalty, which was well saved by Garrett Priestley. Derek Bell from Sheffield received a straight blue card for a professional foul, hooking Sam Jackson across the arm. This time Hosking stepped up to take the penalty but opted to dribble it, missing the target. A minute later, Sheffield made it 4 - 1 and United responded with a flurry of attempts at goal. Both teams were showing signs of frustration, resulting in another blue card, this time to United's Hosking. From this, Sheffield made it 4 - 2 going into half-time.
The second half began with Sam Jackson scoring his second of the game. Yet it was United's keeper Garlick who showed real character saving a slap sot by Sheffield. After another foul by Sheffield, United were given a free hit, taken by McVey, who set up a great pass to Hosking, who took a one touch hit for their sixth goal. Hosking was on a roll, as it took him less than a minute to follow his previous goal with another. With goal fever in full force, Sam Jackson also took less than a minute from the previous goal, flicking their eighth into the back of the net. After calling a time-out, Barker scored from Hosking's pass from behind the goal, ending the game 9 - 2 to Herne Bay United.
Posted: 1 May 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 8 - 2 Middlesbrough (Played: Saturday 12 April)
A young, talented Middlesbrough team took a 10th minute lead at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday. But they were gradually broken down as the Premier League champions returned to the top of the table. As United started slowly, Middlesbrough capitalised with a slap shot, beating goal keeper Dan Barton low to his left. The champions were not deterred by the opening goal, as this only added fuel to their fire. Simon Hosking went solo down the rink, lined up the shot and equalised, before rolling a second past the keeper with only 10 minutes of the first half remaining. As the game turned on a knife edge, the Middlesbrough goalie lost his stick sending both teams into a frenzy, which led to a penalty being given to the Bay. Hosking, trying for a hat-trick, dribbled the penalty, but the shot was saved, much to the delight of Middlesbrough. The visitors worked hard to score on the break, although Dan Barton showed his goalkeeping experience and defended a couple of shots which came in from difficult angles. United continued to attack, and Brendan Barker and Neil Austin worked the ball well, with Barker setting up a couple of smart passes across the goal mouth.
The second half saw Hosking running the ball up near the goalmouth, and although the Middlesbrough defender took the ball away he could not handle its pace, which allowed Barker to finish nicely. There were a couple of yellow cards handed out to both teams which led to a penalty being given to Herne Bay, which coincided with a planned player change with Phil McVey coming on and stepping up. But the referee refused to allow McVey to take the penalty, so it was left to Austin, whose shot was saved, only for Sam Jackson to net the rebound with a cheeky shot. As the Middlesbrough No 2 was given another yellow card, followed by a blue, and being sent to cool down in the sin bin, United took the lead to 5 - 1 with a sneaky pass by Dendy Hudson which lined Austin up to score, with 15 minutes left.
Hudson was on a roll and played a spectacular shot in the bottom corner to make their lead 6 - 1. Seconds later, Austin scored a solo effort. With 10 minutes to go, United called a timeout to make player changes. Hudson set up a great pass for Smith to make a cracking goal however, this gallant effort was disallowed due to a previous infringement. With just over five minutes to go, Hudson lined up a great goal from just outside the box, making it 8 - 1. The last minute saw both teams having a great play of the ball, although the home side were in high spirits, with the defence lax, Middlesbrough carved an opening to make the final score line 8 - 2.
Player manager, McVey said: "I wasn't happy with the way we started, but we improved as the game wore on. I was very pleased with Sam Jackson, it was one of this best performances to date. We are now top of the league on goal difference with a game in hand, so if we can keep the momentum going we should be all right." United's next two games are away to Sheffield and Manchester, over the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Herne Bay United: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Brendan Barker, Garrett Priestley
Posted 16 April 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National League Division 1
Herne Bay United's National Division 1 squad were in excellent form on Sunday at Houghton Regis securing two wins and a draw. Playing against Houghton's Premier League team from yesteryear, United's youngsters scored three times in the first half through Alexis Zacharia (2) and Ben Jackson. Matt Barton claimed two quick goals at the start of the second period, with Zacharia completing his hat-trick five minutes from the end. Houghton replied through Allan Carr but United captain Joe Fidock had the final say scoring the goal of the match to clinch a 7 - 1 success.
With several of the United squad training with England Juniors Farnham's fit international squad sensed the chance to avenge their 4 - 3 defeat from the previous week. But it didn't work out like that as United raced into a 3 - 0 lead inside 10 minutes after goals from Barton, Jackson and Zacharia. Farnham pulled a goal back but Matt Barton restored United's three goal advantage before the interval. In the second half HBU over committed to the attack and allowed Farnham to turn the tables. Within 10 minutes they had edged ahead 5 - 4 with goals from Wilks, Forward and Coehlo but Zacharia levelled, ensuring a nerve-racking final seven minutes with referee Glyn Thomas dishing out cards to both teams.
United steadily built a 5 - 0 lead against Highworth (Matt Barton 2, Ben Jackson 2, Joe Fidock 1) and it would have been six but for a beautiffly executed 'Italian Turn' by Nelson rebounding off the post. Highworth grabbed a late consolation.
HBU: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Matt Barton, James Nelson, Jon Barton, Ben Jackson, Alexis Zacharia
Posted: 10 April 2002
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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National League Division 1
A thrilling revenge victory over Halifax set Herne Bay United on the way to four wins in a National League Division 1 tournament at Farnham on Sunday. The team mixes junior and senior players who are not full time members of the Premier League team. Last time United met Halifax they lost 4 - 3 to the previous season's Premier League side. But on Sunday they recovered from a goal down at half time to win 3 - 2. Just before half time Halifax's Matt Radcliffe scored from a long shot past unsighted keeper Paul Nelson. United's slick ball skills and passing kept constant pressure on Halifax and the breakthrough came halfway though the second period when Matt Barton levelled the score. In a dramatic last two minutes Byron Davis gave United the lead, Alexis Zacharia lost the ball and gave away an equaliser, and then immediately made up for this mistake with a breakaway goal from the restart with 30 seconds left.
United then hammered Kings Lynn 8 - 1 with a hat-trick by Joe Fidock and other scores from Steve Clarke, Alexis Zacharia, Davis (2) and Matt Barton.
Hosts Farnham Sharks, who included five players from France, Spain and Portugal, were overcome 4 - 3. Simon Wiles scored for Farnham after four minutes but late in the first half Fidock and Stavros Zacharia, with a brilliant goal, gave United the lead. In the second half Steve Spencer scored twice to take Farnham back into the lead but Stavros Zacharia scored another spectacular goal and Fidock hit the winner with 50 seconds remaining.
The last match brought a 16 - 6 win over Nottingham, with four goals each for Matt Barton and Byron Davis.
United: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Matt Barton, James Nelson, Stavros Zacharia, Steve Clarke, Alexis Zacharia, Byron Davis, Jon Barton
Posted 3 April 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Regional Tournaments
United's juniors represented the South Eastern Counties in a National Junior League tournament in Manchester against three other regions. They won 8 - 2 against the North West, came from 3 - 0 down at half time to beat the North East 5 - 3, and hammered the Eastern Counties 7 - 1.
Team: Paul Nelson, Joe Fidock, Byron Davis, Stavros Zacharia, Ben Jackson, Sam Jackson, Charlie Pughe
A team representing the South East Counties Roller Hockey Association won one and drew two of their games in an Inter Regional Schoolboy competition at the weekend. Four regions were represented, and the South East had seven players from Herne Bay United and one from Herne Bay. The most exciting game saw Secrha 1 narrowly lose to the league leaders, the ECRHA region. The next event is at Manchester on April 19.
Team: Joe Andrews (HBU), Robert Carnell (HBU), Sean Carnell (HBU), Jono Fell (HBU), Joe King (HBU), Philip Morris (HBU), Charlie Pughe (HBU), James Sheppard (Herne Bay)
Posted: 3 April 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent League
The Pier Pavilion hosted three Kent League games on Saturday. In the minors match Herne Bay United Adders beat Herne United 3 - 0, in the intermediates Herne Bay beat Herne United 4 - 1, and Herne Bay United Cobras beat Herne Bay 10 - 7.
Posted: 3 April 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Letchworth 3 - 8 Herne Bay United (Played: Saturday 22 March) and Maidstone 4 - 4 Herne Bay United (Played: Sunday 23 March)
Herne Bay United kept their National Premier League championship challenge on course by emerging unbeaten from their toughest two fixtures of the season, away to main title rivals Letchworth and Maidstone. Playing at Hitchin on Saturday, United quickly set the tone with Brendan Barker capitalising on an early opportunity to score inside just 57 seconds. Letchworth scrambled an equaliser soon after but United were not to be rattled and kept up the pressure by working the ball to maintain their attack. Simon Hosking responded with two goals before half-time to make it 3 - 1, but Letchworth replied five minutes after the restart with a cheeky shot from Amaral.
Hosking scored two more goals in quick succession to give them welcome breathing space. Letchworth's hopes of a recovery were further dashed when Neil Austin flicked the ball into the top corner. The last five minutes of the game showed the sheer brilliance of United's team play, with Barker scoring his second goal, although this was quickly cancelled out by Letchworth's L'Anson. Just for good measure, Barker then created the space for Hosking to grab his fifth goal to end the game 8 - 3.
The action switched to Rochester on Sunday where United came from 3 - 0 down to salvage and exciting 4 - 4 draw. They might even have won but for the last gasp equaliser for the home side. Maidstone were ahead inside five minutes, courtesy of a scrambled effort by Wheatley. Eight minutes after it was 2 - 0 as Dennard scored a soft goal from a defensive blunder. Dennard quickly added his second, prompting a rather hasty tactical change by the reigning champions. McVey quickly cut Maidstone's celebrations short, scoring immediately from the restart and four minutes later Barker struck to leave the half time score at 3 - 2.
Within five minutes of the second half Nick Barton had equalised and they then went ahead for the first time when Sam Jackson scored from a close-range effort with four minutes remaining. United thought they had secured all three points but with only 25 seconds left on the clock, Maidstone were awarded a disputed penalty which striker Wheatley converted to level the score.
United player-manager Phil McVey said: "We were disappointed with the draw but overall we are satisfied with the four points we took this weekend." United now stand one point behind leaders Letchworth but with two games in hand.
HBU: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Brendan Barker, David Garlick
Posted: 27 March 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent League: HBU Vipers 21 - 5 HBU Cobras (Played: Saturday 1 March)
This season Herne Bay United have split their National Premier League side into two halves to compete in the Kent League. But with Cobras without Sam Jackson and captain Philip McVey, full-strength Vipers won Saturday's meeting 21 - 5.
While the result was one sided, spectators were treated to some spectacular goals including a perfectly executed opener for the Cobras by Stavros Zacharia against top keeper David Garlick. Needless to say, Paul Nelson in the Cobras goal had plenty to do, making a high percentage of saves, but the pace and power of the Vipers squad opened up so many opportunities that a high score could not be prevented.
HBU will need to maintain this level of performance for the crucial weekend of March 22-23 when they are away to both their leading rivals, Letchworth and Maidstone.
HBU Vipers: Karl Smith (2), Simon Hosking (8), Neil Austin (4), Dendy Hudson (1), Brendan Barker (6), David Garlick
HBU Cobras: Paul Nelson, Charlie Pughe, Jon Barton, Stavros Zacharia (1), Nick Barton (1), Matt Barton, Alexis Zacharia (3), James Nelson
Posted: 6 March 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 11 - 3 Grimsby (Played: Saturday 22 February)
A stunning goal from Brendan Barker after just five minutes set Herne Bay United roller hockey side on their way to an emphatic 11 - 3 home win over Grimsby at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday. Barker's dribble and shot soon put the National Premier League title holders ahead, but Grimsby levelled within a minute when a slap shot from half-way by Hancocks caught Barton off his near post. Halfway though the first period HBU changed to a more attacking formation and reaped immediate reward when Simon Hosking scored with his first touch of the match. Further goals from Austin and another Hosing increased the home tally to 4 - 1 but three minutes from half-time Sims scored for the visitors to make it 4 - 2.
David Garlick replaced Danny Barton in United's goal for the second period and provided a commanding backdrop as HBU used the strength and superior fitness of their squad to exploit tiring Grimsby legs. Seven HBU goals were evenly spaced throughout the period from Hosking, Austin (three), McVey, Smith and Nicky Barton while at the other end old fox Alan Johnson spoiled Garlick's shut out with just four seconds on the clock.
HBU: Dan Barton, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Nick Barton, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Brendan Barker, David Garlick
Posted: 27 February 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Kent Premier League: Herne Bay United Cobras 3 - 3 Herne Bay (Played: Saturday 1 February)
The first Kent Premier League match of the year ended in a 3 - 3 draw between Herne Bay United Cobras and Herne Bay at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday. Herne Bay are playing in the veterans league nationally and have supplemented their team in the Kent League with a couple of strong youngsters and United's goalkeeper Garrett Priestly. Priestly, along with David Walters, Mick Harris and former Peterborough player Geoff Staggs, give the Bay four ex-England men in the squad. United have put two teams into the Kent premier League and named the Cobras and Vipers, after the successful junior teams of a few years ago. Cobras included England players Nick Barton and Philip McVey and England junior Sam Jackson.
With Priestley on top form it did not look as if anyone would score. Steve Clarke's entry into the match was quickly rewarded by a goal for Cobras, slapped in off Priestley's near post. Almost immediately Clarke collapsed when an old ligament injury recurred and put him out for the rest of the match. In the last four minutes of the first half Herne Bay struck with two text-book goals in the two minutes from Peter Halvorsen and Mick Harris. With the Cobras lacking venom the score stayed at 2 - 1 to the Bay until six minutes to go. Mick Harris made it 3 - 1 when he was given a free shot down the middle to beat Paul Nelson, who otherwise had not put a foot wrong. Bay ran out of energy, however, and Cobras hit back through Nick Barton with five minutes on the clock and Sam Jackson with two minutes left.
HBU Cobras: Paul Nelson, Phil McVey, Sam Jackson, Nick Barton, Jon Barton, Matt Barton, Steve Clarke, Arran Bowyer
Herne Bay: Garrett Priestley, Peter Halvorsen, Robin Cathcart, James Shepherd, Geoff Staggs, Mick Harris, David Walters
Posted: 6 February 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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SECRHA Under 13s
Herne Bay United's two under 13 teams, Adders and Rattlers, played in a South East Counties Minors tournament at the Pier on Sunday, despite being depleted by illness. Adders beat both Herne United and Farnham but lost 9 - 0 to Herne Bay. Rattlers lost all their games against far more experienced teams but gave a good account of themselves.
Adders: Joel Carnell, Liam Holland, Keiran Smith, Kai Dillon, Myles Barker, Myles Tichband, Tom Hawkins
Rattlers: Joe Andrews, Ben Barton, Jake Fox, Liam Chatfield, Ryan Blackwell, Rebecca Lawrence, Joe Langston
Results: Kent League: Herne United 6 - 2 Herne Bay United Rattlers; SECRHA Minors: Adders 5 - 0 Herne United, Herne Bay 1st 4 - 0 Rattlers, Herne United 7 - 1 Farnham, Adders 0 - 9 Herne Bay 1st, Farnham 2 - 1 Rattlers, Herne United 1 - 4 Herne Bay 1st, Adders 14 - 0 Farnham, Rattlers 0 - 6 Herne United, Herne Bay 1st 11 - 1 Farnham
Posted: 6 February 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 4 - 3 Maidstone (Played: Saturday 25 January)
A battle to the finish found Herne Bay United hanging on for a 4 - 3 win over Maidstone at the Pier Pavilion on Saturday. Their long-awaited second National Premier League match of the season was in sharp contrast to their first, a 6 - 0 win over Manchester at the end of last year. After 10 years at the top under manager Terry Barton, United are making significant changes. Captain Philip McVey is now player-manager and junior Sam Jackson has been promoted to be a full-time member of the first team. The club is working to incorporate tactics introduced by Portuguese professional coach Paulo Batista who worked with the club for four days just before Christmas. Traditionally Maidstone are United's closet rivals and even more edge was added to this year's with Dendy Hudson playing for United and his brother Joel playing for Maidstone. David Beeson, one of United's junior keepers of last year, was also playing at No 10 for Maidstone.
The Herne Bay side had an inspiring start when, after five minutes, Neil Austin score from a brilliantly flighted shot that was completely screened for Maidstone's keeper Paul Haynes and found the smallest of gaps over his shoulder. After that the match continued with United enjoying assured possession that showed the benefits of their revised training regime but without really troubling Maidstone goalkeeper Paul Haynes. When Maidstone did get on the attack United's defence was solid but the visitors had their chance with a penalty with 10 minutes left in the first half. Grant Foreman saw the ball trickle over the line after David Garlick had partially saved his shot. United had the chance to add another goal when Jackson, despite playing well, failed to roll in a pass from Brendan Barker, leaving the score 1 - 1 at half-time.
United continued to press their attacking game at the start of the second half and Dendy Hudson converted a pass from Simon Hosking after just one and a half minutes to complete a fine team goal. Four minutes later Hosking scored himself from the penalty spot to give the hosts a two-goal advantage. Maidstone narrowed the gap to one goal when United's defence was completely out of shape, leaving Foreman a free shot which he took excellently. Two minutes later it was 4 - 2 when Austin made no mistake in striking home one of Barker's passes. With 12 minutes left on the clock United should have been adding to their tally but the Maidstone defence was holding and the home side's concentration on going forward was looking vulnerable to counter-attack. With six minutes left Barker gave the ball away to Julian Dennard and he made no mistake in his one-on-one with keeper Garlick. The last six minutes saw United continuing to run in to the Maidstone defence and looking like causing trouble for themselves. However, despite several heart-stopping blunders, they held on for the 4 - 3 win.
Herne Bay United: Garrett Priestly, Phil McVey, Karl Smith, Sam Jackson, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin, Dendy Hudson, Brendan Barker, David Garlick
Maidstone: Paul Haynes, Joel Hudson, Stuart Docherty, Julian Dennard, Grant Foreman, Joe Wheatley, David Beeson
Posted: 30 January 2003
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Cup: Herne Bay United 4 - 14 Modena (Played: Saturday 14 December)
Two goals conceded inside the opening four minutes led to another landslide defeat for Herne Bay United in Saturday's European Cup return leg tie with Italian side Modena. Trailing 15 - 1 from the first leg, United shipped another nine in the first half at the Pier Pavilion allowing the Italian professionals to coast through the second period and book their place in the next round. Neil Austin scored the hosts' only goal of the first half after five minutes and added a second early in the second half after latching onto a great pass from the determined Brendan Barker. Simon Hosking added a third with a firm shot late on, but the visitors went on to take the second half 5 - 3 and take the final score to 14 - 4 and 29 - 5 on aggregate.
HBU had little time to mope over the result, however, as the following day Portuguese coach Paulo Batiste arrived in town to give the first of his three coaching clinics.
Team: David Garlick, Garrett Priestly, Phil McVey (1), Brendan Barker (1), Neil Austin (2), Dendy Hudson, Sam Jackson, Nic Espejo, Karl Smith
HBU keeper Dan Barton has helped England to Group B World Championship wins over Macau, Austria and Uruguay. The victories in the event in Uruguay helped England return to Group A of the World Championships.
Posted: 18 December 2002
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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European Cup
Philip McVey has been cleared to play for Herne Bay United in Saturday's home roller hockey European Cup tie against Modena at the Pier Pavilion. The club have received official notification that McVey's recent red card has been withdrawn after the referee admitted he was "erroneously punished". HBU goalkeeper Dan Barton is currently captaining the England side at the World Championships in Uruguay. They have qualified for the play-offs. Garrett Priestley replaces Barton against Modena, who lead 15 - 1 from the first leg.
Posted 12 December 2002
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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Premier League: Herne Bay United 6 - 0 Manchester (Played: Saturday 23 November)
A bizarre decision by referee Albert Parker shocked players and fans alike in United's opening National Roller hockey Premier League game of the season. United were six goals clear and coasting when, for a reason known only to himself, Parker approached the timekeepers and announced that he had decided to abandon the match. He then quit the rink. "To say everyone was stunned would be an understatement," said United spokeswoman Aileen Barker. A number of yellow cards had been issued for minor infringements and, following United's sixth goal, several players did appear to become a touch distracted, provoking some holding tactics. But, as Mrs Barker said: "That all led to a bit of moaning but it was nothing serious and Mr Parker did not book anyone. Suddenly, without warning, he announced that he was abandoning the game." Both team captains, however, signed the sheet to accept the result as it stood and played out the rest of the match as a friendly.
Resplendent in their new kit, United played as well as they looked to open their new campaign with impressive intent. The first lineup of captain Phil McVey, Simon Hosking, Neil Austin and Brendan Barker set the pace and soon had the ball rattling off Manchester's goal cage. An own goal with less than four minutes gone set the pattern and Hosking quickly followed up with a neatly-taken strike. Nic Espejo, playing well after a long layoff through injury, scored a cracking goal within seconds of coming on seven minutes from the interval. United had not finished yet and Nick Barton applied the decisive finish to a storming run. Two quick strikes from Brendan Barker in the second half put United comfortably in control. Then came referee Parker's controversial decision.
United: Dan Barton, David Garlick, Phil McVey, Simon Hosking, Brendan Barker, Neil Austin, Nic Espejo, Nick Barton, Dendy Hudson, Karl Smith.
Posted: 28 November 2002
Reported by: Herne Bay Times
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Premier League
Herne Bay United Roller Hockey team play their first game of the season on Saturday at the Pier at 8pm. They take on Manchester in the National League. Herne Bay United's first team have been national champions for the last nine years and cup winners for the last three. At the close of last season their manager, Terry Barton, decided to retire from the job after steering the team to many triumphs and successes.
To help take the team forward, the club have called on top professional coach, Paulo Batista from Portugal. He has already made one visit to Herne Bay to assess the set-up and the players and he will return in December for a further three days. There is no qualified coach in the United Kingdom and he can only give a limited amount of time to help United but the club are determined to gain as much as possible from the exercise.
Herne Bay will be playing in their new strip which has been provided by the local business Mac's Music Store, the guitar and bass centre, at the top of the High Street. Equipment sponsor Protex is one of the biggest names in roller hockey and HBU have decided to use their gloves, kneepads, shin guards, sticks and goalie pads. The value of this kit is £1,4000 and HBU have a squad of players for the first team so extra kit has to be bought to ensure all the players wear the same kit. This extra cost is being borne by the players.
As national champions and cup winners, HBU are eligible to enter European competitions such as the European Cups Champions Cup and the CERS Cup, the second of which the players have opted for due to the lower price. In the first round they have been drawn against Hockey Club Modena, who finished fourth in the Italian League last season. They are just north of Bologna and Modena is home to the motor firm Ferrari. The first leg is in Italy on November 30 and the home leg is at the Pier on Saturday, December 14.
Posted: 21 November 2002
Reported by: Herne Bay Gazette
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