An away match against league leaders Herne Bay, although the venue looked very familiar!

 

Herne Bay had their ex-semi professional squad lined up against us…………. The first 10 minutes were fairly even with Herne Bay playing a high press and BayCity not being able to do much in the opposition half.

 

 

Herne Bay then scored with a low shot, which beat Nigel at the near post. This was followed fairly shortly after by a second after Nigel parried a shot, but the ball unfortunately squirmed over the line. Before half time it was 3-0 with a long distance high shot which dipped down just under the bar. It had clearly gone above head and crossbar height before entering the net, but then we have been given similar goals also…….

 

 

Herne Bay had maintained a robust style of play throughout and one of their players was sin binned for a high challenge on Kevin, and ref McKellar was called in to action to calm down Rob and an opposition player. They shook hands afterwards……..  Despite battling valiantly in the first half, BayCity chances seem to have been limited to a Rob Rae distance shot, which the goalkeeper was able to push over the bar.

 

BayCity however were not downhearted by the scoreline, and in the second half keeping their shape well, began to draw a number of fouls from Herne Bay. This resulted in the sin bin for another player, and a second sin bin for the one sin binned in the first half!  With the temporary reduction of Herne Bay players on the pitch and BayCity playing well we were starting to create some chances. Indeed a fine through ball from (I believe) Ian played Chris through on goal, and his low toe poke to the far post beat the keeper and nestled in the net. So now just 3-1 to Herne Bay.

 

 

Herne Bay now seemed content to try and play the ball around at the back and back to their keeper, which they did well. Accordingly their shots on our goal in the second half were limited to about one – the same as ours in the first half.  Herne Bay were however rattled a bit and complained at every decision given against them……….which seemed strange as they were clearly fouls against the rules of Walking Football, and indeed they were also winning!

 

 

BayCity were however unable to add to their 1 goal and the match finished 3-1 to Herne Bay. We might have lost, but then we did our best against a very good team who have played at a far higher level of football than any of us.