This week, Tommy looks at the Kent teams' fortunes in Round 4 of the FA Vase.
With the fourth round of the Vase behind us we sadly have only one man standing. Herne Bay's outstanding victory in the north east over Newcastle Benfield sees them earn a home draw against Western leaguers Larkhall Athletic.
Sadly for Martin Larkin, whose Tunbridge Wells team exited the competition at home to an experienced Huntingdonshire based St.Ives team, the only crumb of comfort I can offer is that the experience he has gained will be invaluable, defeat at such an important stage of such a prestigious competition can only seek to harden his charachter for future forays.
I speak from real experience for back in the 1996/97 season as Herne Bay manager I got my team into a 5th round Vase tie away to Isthmian Leaguers Banstead. Being less experienced in those far off days I had an injury problem in central defence and proceeded to get "clever" and made, if my memory serves me well, four changes and subsequently lost what was then at that time the biggest game of my managerial to date.
I was convinced that that side could have won the vase that season and the experience of that defeat helped me fulfill my ambition just three short years later so to you Martin I say this live and learn. To the current Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey I offer my sincerest congratulations and of course any help and advice I can give as someone who has been lucky enough to scale that peak you are trying to scale.
Next week I've got my sights on Mr Balotelli get the lawyers ready!!!