Our first friendly match saw us travel to Ebbsfleet, the north Kent one and not the one just by Baypoint. Our opponents had done well in their league campaign so we were expecting a tough time, our squad was made up of some 60s players along with a couple of 50s and players guesting from Herne Bay. As we began to assemble we were greeted by some of the home team who proceeded to inform us that some of their new players were “Kent” players, as Rob quietly pointed out aren’t we all?

 

It’s without doubt that they are a very good team whilst pushing the running rules to the limit, well the limit considered legal by the home referee, I swear some of them moved quicker on two legs than George on four wheels. The centre forward was well above my pay grade, easily the best I have come up against, could finish with either foot and if not then setting up his teammates for a strike on goal, I have no idea on the eventual score but it was a few. We kept going though trying to be competitive but as the Norwegian commentator famously said “we took a hell of a beating “

 

So on to our second match.

 

BayCity Strollers 0 Ramsgate 1

 

Squad: 
Steve Earle (guest keeper)
Jim
Gordon
Toony
Richie
George
Kevin
Les

 

To begin with we tried a different formation, ultimately this could well have been our downfall, trying to keep possession, a cross field pass was cut out which meant we were outnumbered at the back as we conceded a disappointing goal, it wasn’t the pass that was the problem more in the options available. We were up against a strong Ramsgate squad who gave little away denying us space, near the end of the half Tim for the “Gits”was to test out the decaying Baypoint surface as he managed to trip himself up landing heavily, unfortunately the only damage was to Tim himself and he couldn’t be involved in the remainder of the game.

 

The second half saw us revert to our more familiar shape and we began to dominate possession and territory, both sides squandered penalties, Ramsgate first with a strike that is probably still going up as we speak, our chance was kept out expertly from Rob as he stuck out a leg to deny us an equaliser. We did have opportunities to draw level, George was doing his utmost with some excellent hold up play but we just couldn’t turn our upturn in the contest into a goal. Big thanks to Steve for helping us out in goal, he wasn’t that busy but it was a real pleasure playing a competitive match with him after all these years. A good work out for us even with the disappointment of a defeat, with a little luck a draw possibly would have been a fair result.

 

3rd and final game.

 

BayCity Strollers 1 Ashford 0

 

Squad: 
Matt (50s) Keeper
Jim
Colin
Martin
Kevin
Rich
Ian
Grant
Chris

 

This was a much improved performance, although Ashford were not at full strength they were as ever well organised and our subsequent win was hard fought, the away keeper had a particularly good day with some smart saves. We swapped our personal around a lot more than normal and considering the amount of changes we did manage to maintain a good amount of control throughout, it was nice to try and get everyone playing different positions and all adapted well to some unfamiliar roles.

 

Ian was making his first appearance after graduating from the youth team and it was great to welcome Martin back in to the competitive fold, as the contest evolved they both seemed to enjoy a lucrative partnership as they combined for Martin to get the only goal in the game. Matt was guesting as our keeper today and as in our previous encounter our guest thankfully wasn’t tested too much, a few long range efforts were well handled, it’s always reassuring to have a keeper behind any defence as it gives us more confidence to play our game knowing that we have a safe pair of hands to rely on, thanks to Matt and Steve for helping us out.

 

At the end of hostilities we had a penalty shootout which ended in a draw, a good exercise and a bit of fun.

 

So as we ended our pre season we did gradually improve, George did a great job arranging our games and as ever Chris Smith refereed our home games with impartiality getting us used to the new rules.

 

The new season will soon be upon us and as in previous years it will be more competitive than ever, I’m confident that we can compete and look forward to the challenge before us.