Herne Bay celebrate their FA Vase victory over Larkhall

by Matthew Panting

Defender James Campbell fired 10-man Herne Bay into the last eight of the FA Vase on Saturday with a late winner at Winch's Field.

Bay saw off Western League Larkhall Athletic despite having left-back Tom Parker red-carded on the half-hour for a headbutt.

There was no need for Parker to get involved as Michael Turner's challenge was penalised with a yellow card, sparking a pedestrian 16-man melee.

Parker lost his head but he was thanking his team-mates by the final whistle as they went on to claim a deserved victory and a quarter-final trip to Hellenic League Shortwood on March 3.

The first half saw few chances although Larkhall, who played with just one man up front for long periods despite their numerical advantage, seemed intent on stopping Byron Walker, fouling the 21-goal forward at every opportunity.

After the break, Bay created the better openings with keeper Chris Snoddy denying Walker, who then headed inches wide of the far post.

The game seemed destined for extra-time when Michael Jenner's low free-kick was turned in by Campbell from close range with four minutes left.

Larkhall suddenly came to life, a long-range free-kick hit the top of the bar and Bay keeper Dan Eason was finally called into action.

But they successfully saw out three minutes of stoppages and deservedly reached the quarter-finals of the FA Vase for the first time in their history.