Squad:

Peter E
Jim
Toony
Colin
Chris
Les
George
Will
Nigel

So our very first over 65s friendly match saw us take on our Herne Bay counterparts, it seems like an age ago when we first came up against our hosts in the very first version of the Kent League. In those days things were very different and we had some right old battles, today’s game was completely different and although being competitive was played in a very good spirit, it helps that old foes have become friends and rivalry has turned in to respect.

We made an appalling start as we were two down in no time at all , Trevor and Harry linked up well as the latter got in behind us to open the scoring. Next we were caught out by a very quickly taken free kick which left us overwhelmed in defence, both goals were clinically tucked away giving Peter no chance whatsoever. Gradually we began to get in to the match and pulled a goal back through Colin, we were now making chances of our own. Les was a constant threat, we know from the 60s that he and George work well in tandem, try as we might we just couldn’t equalise, either narrowly missing or finding an unorthodox home keeper doing everything he could to keep us out.

We found ourselves down by two again as we conceded a penalty due to our tendency of moving too quickly, unless we can break this habit it will cost us dearly in the upcoming season. After this we had our best period of the match as we dominated proceedings, Chris pulled a goal back despite the home claims of hand ball with Les getting a much deserved equaliser.

On the whole I think we can be very satisfied with all of our performances, we had more chances so maybe a little more composure needed. We definitely need to slow down as we were only one more running offence away from conceding a second penalty. Team shape was a little haphazard but that could have been due to the amount of changes we made during the game, we did though have more possession and played more in the opposition half rather than our own.

Peter was excellent in goal as was Will making his debut, Nigel defended well, Chris and Toony worked the flanks with Colin giving us the control we need in the middle.

Thanks to our hosts and George for arranging the game and Chris Smith for refereeing, very enjoyable evening and we can look forward to the inaugural Over 65s season.