Squad:

 

 

Lawrence
Jim
Colin
Kevin
Chris
Les
Mick
Toony
Gordon

 

 

So our final league game of the season saw us come up against the same opponents as when we started all those months ago, ultimately ending up with the same result. The theme for the evening seemed to be all about time keeping with the man in possession of the whistle being the centre of attention. To start with the game was delayed as our man in charge was stuck in traffic, more to follow on the subject of time.

 

 

Once we eventually got started we were soon in to our stride scoring after just a couple of minutes. Les was unlucky not to score himself with a crisp drive being well saved, the ball was pushed out to Kev who showed just why he is our top scorer this season as he put us one up; the perfect start. We seemed to be well in control but a lapse couple of minutes was to see us fall behind, both goals should have been avoided as on each occasion we failed to follow or pick up opponents. To be fair two good finishes but it was disappointing that we allowed too much time and space. Going ahead certainly seemed to inspire Ramsgate as they had a period of dominance that taking the lead gave them, this is a much improved Ramsgate team these days as their league position this season proves.

 

 

Half time and we knew we would have to be better to turn the match round.

 

 

The second half was tight as both teams strived to get the crucial fourth goal of the game, our perseverance was to be justly rewarded as Mick scored a fine individual goal. To be honest I’m not sure who played the ball up to him, anyway he quickly took control shielding the ball from the defender, a quick turn flummoxed his marker giving him the space to get in a shooting position. His play to get the space was good but the finish was even better as he found the top corner giving the keeper absolutely no chance. Both teams had chances to get in front, Lawrence was called upon to keep us level which he did with his usual expertise.

 

 

Now to the last few minutes as we were reminded of an old notorious referee from the 1970s Clive (the book) Thomas. Both teams had players sin binned, first ourselves and then our opponents were to be short of a player, now the controversial bit, cast your mind back to Argentina 1978, it’s all square between Brazil and Sweden, Brazil have a corner which is swung in to the box for Zico to score, we all know what happened next.

 

 

Fast forward to Baypoint 2024 and replace Zico with Kevin Joyce, the ball is threaded through and he only has the keeper to beat, this he does with ease to score what we thought was a deserved winner, no unfortunately as our illustrious bad time keeper says it went in after the final whistle. For me a bizarre decision as there were several stoppages in play which would have allowed some extra minutes, needless to say I don’t believe it!  We did though accept what happened and hands were shaken.

 

 

Thanks to Ramsgate for their hospitality and to Frankie for refereeing. The match was very competitive but played by two teams wanting to play and show good sportsmanship.

 

 

Another disappointing draw to end what has been an excellent season with our only defeat coming in our second game. A big thank you to every member of our squad for turning up and giving your all; it has been extremely enjoyable and an honour. There is still a very good chance we will finish in second position.

 

 

Let’s try and go one better next time around. End of season curry and presentation night will be arranged in due course.