HERNE Bay’s 100 per cent start to the Kent League season was ended in emphatic fashion last night when they were defeated 4-2 by Faversham Town at Winch’s Field.

A crowd of 301 were in attendance as the Lillywhites stunned Bay early on, racing into a 3-0 lead courtesy of goals by Michael Smissen (8 and 15 minutes) and Lee Shearer (22).

Bay were awarded a penalty after 27 minutes but Darren Marsden’s spot-kick was easily saved by impressive young Faversham keeper Robert French, on loan from Whitstable Town.

The home side won a second penalty nine minutes later, French again keeping out Marsden’s initial spot-kick but unable to prevent the Bay midfielder following up to make it 1-3.

Just two minutes later, however, Faversham scored a fourth goal when Shearer headed past Da Eason after the home defence failed to clear their lines.

Although there were fewer goals after the break, both sides had chances in a game that threatened to boil over towards the end.

Bay skipper Luke Harvey scored the goal of the game 11 minutes from time when he turned and struck a beautiful low shot past French, but it was too little too late for Barry Morgan’s side.

This Saturday Herne Bay are away to Greenwich Borough.