Squad:

Matt, Will, Martyn, Jim, Jason, Steve, Phil, Simon, Dave, Chris, Martin M, Gordon, Kevin, Nick, Ian, Les, Rich

After last years successful full sized pitch match this years was bigger and better, 16 aside with corners, goal kicks and throw ins with even a bit of offside thrown in for good measure, basically normal football but just walking.

One major set back in writing this report is that it was very foggy, from my position at the back it was very difficult to see what was going on especially as we started rather well as myself along with my fellow defenders saw very little of the ball. Messages were relayed back from our forwards and I am reliably informed that Chris put us one up through his ever reliable left foot, Les got the second from close range followed by two screamers from Dave. The match was made up of four twenty minute periods in order to give everyone a quick break along with any medical supplements that would need to be taken.

Anyway four nil up playing some great walking football, for some unknown reason we started to go a bit too quick, so it was no surprise when we conceded a penalty for our fourth running offence. Matt went the right way and only just failed to make a brilliant save against a very well placed spot kick, so after being rarely troubled our lead was reduced. We did have an opportunity from the spot ourselves, unfortunately Dave’s well hit attempt thudded against the post with Les also falling to put in the rebound. Half time with a comfortable lead still.

Into the second half and our lead was halved, our lack of discipline was to let Ramsgate right back in the game as we conceded a second penalty for running. From a defensive point of view it was very disappointing to concede a second goal like this as on the whole we gave very few chances up, the second penalty was again expertly tucked away.

Another quick break as we entered the final twenty minutes, the most memorable events of the final period were Ramsgate pulling another goal back this time from open play. Probably one of the worst corner kicks ever as the ball was pretty much played to an opposing player almost on the half way line and Ian being very unfortunate not to score as his lob over the keeper hit the crossbar.

In the end a narrow but deserved victory, both teams played some great football especially after we got to terms with the playing rules; it was also played in a great spirit.

Thanks to Rob Cheshire for organising and Chris Smith for refereeing.

A final note in thanks to everyone involved from both sides, the £55 excess subs collected will be added to the Prostate Cancer Uk annual tournament later in the year.