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Herne Bay’s Isthmian South East derby against Ashford United to kick-off at earlier time of 1.30pm due to floodlight problems at Winch’s Field

There will be an early start to Herne Bay’s derby this Saturday.

Bay welcome Ashford to Winch’s Field in Isthmian South East, both sides having parted company with the managers they had started the season with in recent weeks.

Ashford striker Gary Lockyer is put under pressure by Herne Bay's Dan Carrington in the Nuts & Bolts’ 3-1 win in early December - the return meeting between the teams will kick-off at 1.30pm this weekend. Picture: Ian Scammell.
Ashford striker Gary Lockyer is put under pressure by Herne Bay's Dan Carrington in the Nuts & Bolts’ 3-1 win in early December - the return meeting between the teams will kick-off at 1.30pm this weekend. Picture: Ian Scammell.

The game is now scheduled to kick-off at 1.30pm.

In a statement, Herne Bay said: “The floodlights failed a uniformity test on January 15 and the Isthmian League will not permit us to play under them until they pass a new inspection.

“We're actively working to resolve this issue by bringing the lighting contractor back to install new lamps and recalibrate the system.

“Unfortunately, we're dependent on their availability and, while we had hoped to complete the work last week, this was not possible.

“To confirm the fixture with Ashford United and the league in good time, we felt it necessary to reschedule the kick-off to 1.30pm.

Herne Bay keeper Josh Bexon is sent off as Scott Heard's appeals fall on deaf ears. Picture: Ian Scammell.
Herne Bay keeper Josh Bexon is sent off as Scott Heard's appeals fall on deaf ears. Picture: Ian Scammell.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause and kindly ask for your help in sharing the updated kick-off time as widely as possible.

“Thank you for your understanding and support.”

Herne Bay, who are due to visit play-off occupants Burgess Hill tomorrow (Tuesday) night, went down 3-1 at Ashford in early December.

After Bay had keeper Josh Bexon red-carded in the 10th minute, goals from Gary Lockyer and Gabe Campbell put the Nuts & Bolts in control.

The visitors pulled one back through striker Mike Salako at Homelands but substitute Noah Carney got a game-clinching third for Ashford in stoppage time.

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