Whitstable Bay FC recorded a comprehensive 4-1 win against Minster FC on September 9 as they kicked off their Canterbury & District Premier league season in style.

A brace from Newman Poku, and then further goals from Jerry Adjei and substitute Lee Irving capped off a fine performance from the Yawlers as they look to lay down a marker for the coming season.

Whitstable manager Colin Patching decided to try out a new formation, reverting to three at the back. It’s a system that is becoming increasingly popular in English football nowadays, partly due to the successes of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side last season.

But at first Whitstable’s defence struggled and Minster capitalised as they took the lead with barely three minutes on the clock. Todd Jordan was the scorer as his effort found its way into the net despite the best efforts of Yawler’s goalkeeper David Hannaway.

Despite the early blow, Whitstable began to feel their way into the game. The extra numbers in midfield was proving to be the difference as Whitstable began to dominate more and more of the ball.

Just before half-time there was a nasty clash between two of Minster’s own men; and it resulted in both Ian Wallace and Richie Miles being taken off for the hosts. And after the prolonged stoppage of play, Whitstable managed to get themselves level. Stephen Munn expertly found Poku in space and the forward swivelled and hit a glorious effort into the top of the net to make it 1-1 just before the interval.

Whitstable continued on in the same vein after the break. The formation was beginning to bear fruits and Whitstable took the lead in the 51st minute through Adjei’s free-kick. It was a special effort from Adjei, the Minster keeper had no chance as Whitstable took the lead.

Whitstable were beginning to dominate, but Minster weren’t without their chances. Hannaway had to be alive as he kept out a Minster effort midway through the second-half.

But the Yawlers got their third goal of the game through Poku again which ultimately settled the contest. Callum Gore crossed for the lively forward who made no mistake with the finish to make it 3-1.

Whitstable made the scoreline more respectable as Irving got in amongst the goals. Overall, it was a good performance from Whitstable as they look to continue on in the same vein in the coming months.

Goals: Jordan (2), Poku (43 & 67), Adjei (51), Irving (79)

Whitstable Bay team: D. Hannaway, M. Guilabitteng (L. Bull-Anthony, 72), S. Murray (A. Quartson-Aidoo, 75), J. Bundock, R. Morgan, J. Fregene, S. Munn, J. Adjei, C. Dean (L. Irving, 62), N. Poku, C. Gore.

By Michael Stokoe