HERNE BAY'S hopes of finishing the season in third place were all but ended when they were held 0-0 at home by Homesdale who themselves missed out on a chance to put pressure on the league leaders on Good Friday.

After only three minutes of play Holmesdale could have been ahead. AJ Morrison fired in a fierce shot from just outside the area which Bay keeper Danny Eason could not hold. As the ball was freed Joel Greaves fired in another shot, but Eason recovered quickly to force the ball away.

It took 15 minutes for Herne Bay to get into the game and it was Luke Harvey who was causing the Dalers defenders the most problems. Holmesdale always looked the more dangerous but despite this, Bays young defenders protected Eason very well.

Bays best chance of the period came on the 30 minute mark after the referee had booked Roland Duo for a fracas with Harvey. The free-kick was sent into the box where Bay had a handful of efforts, with three shots fired in, but the Dalers defence saw off the threat.

Herne Bay came more into the game, in the second half, absorbing more of the Holmesdale attacks and getting more of the possession.

Rhys Lawson was introduced into the game and his pace caused Holmesdale problems. In the 63rd minute they made their first real attempt on Danny Harwood’s goal with a shot fired just over the bar. Holmesdale hit back immediately, but again Eason thwarted Greaves by pushing his header away.

Harwood again prevented Bay from opening the scoring in the 70th minute. The Holmesdale defence was outpaced as Bay sent in a deep cross which Marsden headed towards goal but Harwood just got his hand to the ball to push it over the bar.

Bay followed this with three consecutive corners but failed in breaking the deadlock.

Holmesdale made a number of substitutions which managed to slow down Bays attacking play and make threats on the Herne Bay goal.

At the end of the 90 minutes a draw was a fair result on the day with neither side deserving to lose.