Tunbridge Wells: 1

Herne Bay: 2

AN inspired second-half performance from Herne Bay dumped Tunbridge Wells out of the Kent Senior Trophy on Saturday.

Martin Larkin's side had led at half-time thanks to a Benji Agana header, but the visitors came roaring back with goals from Michael Jenner and James Turner to book their spot in the net round.

Larkin hailed Bay as the best attacking team he had seen this season.

"Credit where credit's due – they were exceptional in the second half," Larkin said. "They are comfortably the best team we will play going forward.

"Their movement and forward play was excellent, but we coped with it well. They didn't actually have that many shots on goal. However, it was a lesson to us in how teams challenging for the league title go about things. Hopefully the guys will learn from some individual mistakes."

Larkin used the cup match as an opportunity to mix things up. New signing Tom Davey impressed on his debut in midfield, while Jon Pilbeam made a rare start in place of top goal scorer Mike Lord.

Pilbeam had a great chance to score, but sliced his shot wide.

Wells played some excellent stuff in the first half and deservedly took the lead on 25 minutes. Andy McMath's corner was headed back across goal and Agana was waiting to head home.

Soon after McMath saw a half-volley from 30 yards well saved as the hosts put more and more pressure on Bay.

However, the match took a dramatic turn moments into the second half. A needless free-kick was given away 30 yards out and Jenner struck a brilliant, swerving free-kick into the corner.

It was all Bay at this point and they got the winner 18 minutes from time.

Wells' defence let a long ball bounce in the area, the ball got stuck in some mud and Turner reacted first to fire home.

Tomorrow afternoon (Saturday), Wells face Greenwich Borough, in the league, at the Culverden.

"We played very well to get the win up at their place and that, in itself, puts some added pressure on us," Larking said "We need to get out of the blocks quickly. It certainly would be nice to finish the year with a win and a place in the top six."

Long term injury Brad Draper is Well's only injury as Larkin has a full squad to chose from.