Squad:

 

 

Lawrence
Jim
Tony Orpwood
Les
Chris
Mick
Simon Addley

 

 

So our first experience of tournament walking football for our Over 65s, although the ultimate aim of progressing to the next round wasn’t achieved it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

 

 

It was nice to come up against teams we have never played before along with a familiar rival.

 

 

BayCity Strollers 65s 0 Billericay 65s 2

The score would seem like a comfortable victory for our opponents but this really wasn’t the case. We dominated but were undone in the first half as we lost possession which caused a breakaway, Lawrence made a valiant effort but unfortunately with the aid of the post we went in a goal down. Second half and I don’t really know how we didn’t score. Simon crashed a great effort off the crossbar which fortunately for the hosts didn’t cross the line and was eventually cleared. We ended up conceding a second goal and I will never understand how yet again a spinning ball ended up in our net.

 

 

BayCity Strollers 65s 1 Leyton Orient 65s 1

Game two and again a first half that would see us ending up a goal behind, this was against the team that would eventually win the day.  We did feel mightily aggrieved as the otherwise impressive referee failed to pick up that Simon was fouled as he bared down on goal, again a lapse was to see us concede albeit to a calm finish.  Second half and we really pressed for the equaliser, this must be a first as we equalised from a corner; Simon clipped a nice pass to Les and his first time strike finding the corner to deservedly draw us level. The opposing keeper was playing a blinder as our numerous attempts to get the winner were thwarted. Another good all round performance from everyone as we picked up our first point.

 

 

BayCity Strollers 65s 2 Woodnesborough 65s 2

Our last chance to qualify for the next round as a victory would ensure our progress. A great start as we quickly took a two goal lead, honorary Stroller for the day Simon scored a couple of cracking goals to put us firmly in charge.  Lawrence did make one particularly good save as we seemed to be well in control as the half was nearing its end, this is where we were to be pegged backed. Yours truly was adjudged to have stepped in to the penalty area despite the ball being nowhere near as it ran out for a corner. We were also being punished for several running? offences which possibly would not have been given by the official for the first two games; consistency. Second half and we tried to manage our sin bin possibilities, we conceded the leveller despite Lawrence’s excellent save as a speculative rebound effort found our net. Next the running offences were to give us a problem as we played four minutes a player short, this we managed with some resolute defending. Despite our best efforts we couldn’t get the winner.

 

 

On the whole a good experience for everyone involved, all squad members played a full part. Lawrence ever dependable, Chris and Tony worked tirelessly up and down the flanks, Les and Simon our goal scorers a constant threat, Mick holding the line setting up attacking possibilities.

 

 

A really good venue with excellent facilities, played for the most part with a good spirit. A shame we didn’t get through but couldn’t really fault our game play and certainly not our attitude.