Squad: 

Lawrence
Peter
Jim
Paul
Tony O
Rob
Les
Mick
Will
Nigel

Our first ever over 65s competitive match saw us come up against an unbeaten Margate team who currently sit at the top of the inaugural East Kent League. It’s fair to say that we did not start well, a poorly defended free kick after just a couple of minutes saw a scuffed effort find the corner of our goal. The same opposition attacker neatly turning and finishing for the second; for some unknown reason one of our own club members seemed to take great delight at this, puzzling to say the least. Thankfully the squad today were supportive of each other and from this moment on proceeded to repair the damage caused by a lack lustre beginning. So on to a historic moment as our first ever goal scorer in a competitive over 65s encounter, up step Tony O to cement his place in BayCity Strollers history as we pulled a goal back to stay in the game. Half time and all to play for with just a single goal behind, Margate probably just about deserved to go in with the narrowest of advantages.

Changes were made at half time with our philosophy of involving the entire squad, there is no doubt that we began the half much better than the first as we took a bit of control without making too many clear cut chances.  Alas, we were to fall foul of the dreaded four running offences, the actual decision to punish us for the decisive fourth time to me seemed very harsh, however, unless we learn from this we will continue to concede penalties despite how unjust we feel about it; penalty converted and two goals behind again. With ten or so minutes remaining it seemed we had a mountain to climb, ultimately our way back in to the match came as we were ourselves awarded a penalty kick as the visitors moved a little too quickly for the last time, Les stepped up to half the deficit. It was inevitable that we would level as the momentum was with us, Les equalised from distance nicely set up by Rob’s excellent lay off. No time for either team to get a winner and the spoils shared, no doubt though with our second half performance and the spirit and togetherness shown by everyone involved it did feel like a victory; definitely a point won rather than two dropped.

Obviously the goal scorers deservedly will grab the headlines, but there were other performances that require a mention, Lawrence and Peter were both superb in goal (not playing at the same time I hasten to add), Paul put in a determined defensive display giving nothing away, Rob and Mick both played a massive part, especially as neither have had much game time recently. The whole squad contributed to a thoroughly deserved share of the spoils, clearly we would have preferred a victory but this is just a beginning, and if we continue with the same attitude and application it could just be the start of a very enjoyable and productive journey we have embarked on.

As for a non playing contribution there is someone who stood out, pre match team talk, pre match warm up, encouragement throughout the game and post match dressing down, thank you Gordon. In addition the support from Martin, George, Nick and Nobby is always very much appreciated. As usual thank you to Chris Smith for keeping control of proceedings in his normal calm manner, although he did run past me on a couple of occasions, also to our visitors for the most part contributing to a competitive walking football encounter.

One footnote, just to confirm no padlocks were harmed and were returned to their rightful place.