Squad:

 

Lawrence

Les

Chris

Grant

Colin

Kevin

Paul

Rob

 

 

With only 40 hours on from our victory against Ramsgate, BayCity Over 60s were back in league action. Yes two games in quick succession meant body and mind would be tested to the full, particularly as our opponents Margate, subjected us to one of our four defeats so far this season. The previous encounter was a bruising affair, this by contrast was the complete opposite. Walking football played in the right spirit with no running, moaning or controversial incidents.

 

 

Not surprisingly BayCity started the game similar to the game against Ramsgate, calm on the ball and keeping possession. It wasn’t long before Les scored the first of his four goals with a delicate shot into the far corner. 

 

 

Again, similar to Friday BayCity were defensively solid which kept Margate from creating any clear cut chances early on. Speculative shots from distance were all Lawrence had to deal with, whilst at the other end Les and Kevin were creating goalscoring chances. This soon resulted in Kevin scoring a scorcher between two indecisive defenders (Gordon’s description). 2-0 to BayCity.

 

 

In response, Margate tried to rally and get back into the game but BayCity maintained their concentration and continued to defend well as a unit. As another Margate attack broke down the ball found its way out to Grant on the right of midfield who played an excellent defence splitting ball to Rob, who in space in front of goal managed to poke the ball home. 3-0 to BayCity. 

 

 

Close to the end of the first half, and still with no running offences for both sides, Les scored his second of the match after a good team move and clever finish. This was the last of the action of another very good half of football by the Strollers.

 

 

Half time BayCity 4 Margate 0.

 

 

Before I attempt to convey the details of the second half action, I want to tip my hat to Jim who usually plays and writes the match reports. Having now experienced it first hand I liken it to standing on your head and trying to sing Yule Britannia backwards – yes really difficult, if not well nigh impossible!!!  The reason I mention this is because whilst I know BayCity scored a further three goals and Margate scored one and missed a penalty, the rest ‘is a bit of a blur’ (Gordon’s description again).

 

 

Anyway bear with me, here goes ……………

 

 

BayCity made the same substitutions and positional changes as on Friday with Rob coming off, Paul coming on in defence and Colin moving up front with Les just behind. Kevin moved into midfield with Chris and Grant. 

 

 

Unfortunately this change failed to have the same impact as it did against Ramsgate with BayCity conceding a goal soon after the restart by a long speculative shot which seemed to catch Lawrence out. 4-1 to BayCity.

 

 

Despite the disappointment of not keeping a clean sheet, immediately after Margate scoring Kevin picked up the ball in midfield and played an excellent through ball to Les who beat the Margate keeper with another delicate finish. Hat trick for Les and 5-1 to BayCity.

 

 

At this point Chris was substituted and Rob came back on for the last 10 minutes of the game. 

 

 

It was soon after this that an encroachment into the goal area resulted in a penalty to Margate. Fortunately for BayCity Lawrence threw himself to the right and made an excellent save, this time using his ‘go go gadget’ arms. Seriously a great save which was celebrated by the whole team.

 

 

Soon after the penalty, Kevin scored his second of the match after more pressure being applied to the Margate defence. 6-1 to BayCity.

 

 

Finally, Les scored his fourth of the match with another clever finish as Margate tired. This rounded off the scoring and another excellent performance by the Strollers. 

 

 

Final score BayCity 7 Margate 1. This result means that the Over 60s cannot finish lower than 3rd this season. Well done one and all!

 

 

Thanks to Chris Smith for refereeing, who said after the game it was a pleasure to officiate; credit must go to both teams.

 

 

Thanks also to Gordon, Tony Old, Ian and Dave for their support.

 

 

Last but not least, a special thank you to Simon and Nick (Over 60s Supporters Club), not only for your support but also for sorting the nets and pitch out before the game. It’s much appreciated.

 

 

Now a well earned rest before our next home game on Friday 25th April at home to Herne Bay.