Squad

Lawrence
Rob
Gordon
Jim
Colin
Chris
Toony
Tony
Nigel
Paul
Les

With the new league season fast approaching we played our friends from Ramsgate in a warm up game.

Unusually for us we started brightly keeping the ball really well with some crisp passing and movement, trying to implement a quick game and and not allow our opponents to have much possession. We were making chances and keeping it tight at the back, eventually this paid dividends as Rob strode through the away teams midfield and scored in the top corner from range, in the bar afterwards there was some discussion about what part of the foot delivered the blow, needless to say Toepunt Steve would have been proud.

Unfortunately we conceded the equaliser just before half time when a quick free kick was tucked away giving Lawrence no chance, lesson we need to learn is that we need to be more alert and switched on to the danger.

1 each at half time

Second half started with us making a number of changes but again we started the half really well with Jim scoring after our very own quick free kick set up with a perfectly weighted lay back from Colin.

The lead was not to last long as a good move from the away team was well finished off by the lively Ramsgate forward. That was followed very quickly by Ramsgate taking the lead again it was a good finish in to the corner. Ramsgate seemed to grow in confidence keeping the ball well and we had trouble getting out to try and get the leveller.

But Bay City Strollers are made of stern stuff and slowly but surely worked our way back putting pressure on our opponents, this pressure finally paid off with Rob scoring a fine equaliser with the outside of the foot again from distance.

We were now on top and pushed for the winner and apart from a couple of good saves by the away goalkeeper we could have nicked it.

On the whole a very good warm for next week when we play our first league game at home to Canterbury, we then retired to the bar when that very British tradition of the Sunday lunch time pint was thoroughly enjoyed.

Both teams played the match in a good spirit which was very well refereed by Rob Rae.

With the new season just round the corner I think I can speak for the entire squad in that we are proud to represent the club in the league forging good friendships within not only our own team but opponents as well.