Squad: 

Lawrence
Jim
Les
Grant
Rich
Martin
George
Gordon
Tony O
Chris

It’s difficult to know where to start with this one, we were robbed is possibly a bit of an overreaction, we did however leave the pitch for the second consecutive week feeling a little hard done by.

We again started on the front foot as Les tested the home keeper who just managed to push the ball round the post. Play for the most part of the half was concentrated in and around the Ramsgate area, despite some excellent hold up play from George we failed to capitalise on the chances we made. For the most part we were unable to test Rob (Ramsgate keeper) with some wayward shooting. Grant, Rich and Les were busy in midfield with Martin linking with George to keep the Ramsgate defence occupied, we did nearly concede as a bit of loose playing out gave up a chance, Lawrence was there though to keep the score goalless at half-time.

The beginning of the second half saw our hosts have their best period of the encounter, Simon was especially dangerous, first his well struck effort somehow rebounded out off the post rather than in. Next a poorly defended free kick by ourselves saw an opportunity gifted, this time straight at Lawrence and comfortably gathered, this seemed to wake us up from our slumber as we went back on the front foot culminating in the save of the game. Richie had appeared to have found the top corner until a leaping Rob Pugh somehow kept his effort out. More pressure followed without the deadlock being broken, unfortunately a breakaway was our downfall. I can only liken it to the feeling that you would have if you were unfortunate enough to have an encounter with a Roman pick pocket, you know you’ve been done but can do nothing to prevent it, an excellent through ball found George who without breaking stride found the corner. We huffed and puffed as we strived for an equaliser, all to no effect, we changed personnel but still couldn’t get back in to the game, too often taking the wrong option that the pressure of chasing the game brings.

I believe a share of the points would have been a fair result, however we only have ourselves to blame, we controlled the majority of the first period and apart from a dodgy period at the beginning of the second half we had enough of the match to have got something out of the game. We do need to make better chances and make sure those efforts are on target and I’m sure the goals will come and the results will change.

Credit to our friends at Ramsgate, resolute defence, a hard working engine room and a clinical finish won the day. Calls for a rematch fell on deaf ears as an already grumpy Strollers squad had to go home and eat humble pie as the after match refreshments were not forthcoming. Having said that it was a match that was played in a very good spirit by two sets of players that respect each other, the rules of the game and the official; on this occasion Chris Smith who kept the game flowing.