Oystermen retain trophy and bragging rights!

A last minute goal from Aaron James helped Whitstable Town retain the Bruce Smith Shield at Herne Bay and claim the bragging rights over their neighbours and Ryman South rivals.

With the sides still locked at 0-0 and the action going from end to end in the annual fixture, James headed home a Tom Loynes corner. His late winner sparked wild celebrations at Winch's Field with the travelling support behind the Oystermen's goal later singing “there’s only one Bruce Smith” when Smith presented the trophy, pictured.

Whitstable's new management team of brothers Jim and Danny Ward saw their side put the smiles back on the faces of fans after Saturday’s 1-0 home reverse to Conference South Whitehawk with a hard fought performance that either side could have won.

Herne Bay had the best of the early exchanges with the first chance coming in the sixth minute when Kane Butler shot wide of the target. But Town settled and Ian Pulman was soon causing problems for the home defence and keeper Ben Kitcherside with his strike partner Ryan Goulding.

Bay looked dangerous on the break as the game wore on and Town keeper Brett Mills had to be at his best to save at full stretch and lively on a number of others before James settled it by beating Bay’s substitute keeper Jack Delo.

Image courtesy of Les Biggs/WTFC