Squad:

Peter
Jim
Nigel
Rob
Hans
Martin
George
Gordon

 

Our first over 65s league match of the season saw us pick up a very impressive 3 points away to last season’s runners up, before kick off there was a quick briefing from our match official primarily on the intention of being stricter on running offences, Simon had already confirmed that this would be the case, so the message was clear – walk!

 

Well this must be a first, we conceded zero free kicks for going too fast, in fact a game of firsts, we had never before conceded two penalties of which neither were converted, the other firsts were over 65 debuts for Hans and Martin.

 

So with a slightly different formation than normal the match began, the small dimensions of the pitch meant there was precious little space on offer, however we started strongly and pushed our opponents on to the back foot, a couple of speculative efforts nearly caught the home keeper out as we won a succession of corners, unfortunately our good start failed to bring the opening goal. Margate slowly and surely upped their game, as we came under pressure a stray Stroller foot encroached in to the penalty area, it seemed like all our early efforts were to be in vain. Now Peter had other ideas, a great save as a well stuck spot kick was kept out, alas in the ensuing scramble a different Stroller gave them a second chance to go one up as again we over stepped in to the area, both of the decisions were correct so we could have no complaints. Pete’s save had clearly rattled the home forward, the same player stepped up but probably the best way to describe the outcome was that we benefited with the award of a free kick on the penalty spot for an overhead misdemeanour. Nil nil at half time.

 

The second half began as the first period had and we were in control, a couple of good moments from free kicks almost put us ahead, the mid point of the half and we finally deservedly went in front. George was doing a great job holding up possession and not for the first time was fouled from behind, yet another free kick, a perfect setup from Rob gave me the opportunity to strike for goal, although the keeper got a hand to it he couldn’t keep it out and we were ahead.

 

Two up shortly after, Margate had been quietly accumulating running offences, the fourth of which gave us the chance to make our lead a little more comfortable, Martin took the responsibility as he blasted the ball past the keeper.  Now the only person that wasn’t ready apparently was our referee and he ordered a retake, bearing in mind what had happened in the first half the taker was now under pressure, no such worry as Martin hit a better effort in to the corner with the keeper nowhere near. The home team were now getting a bit frustrated as they tried to get back in to the encounter, we benefited from a number of rash challenges and could take our time as the clock counted down. Just as the clean sheet was beckoning we conceded with the last kick of the game, frustrating and rather annoying as we had defended well giving up few chances.

 

All of our squad played their part, Peter in goal not only excelled with his penalty save but was calm and composed, Nigel was solid in defence giving little away, Hans had a strong debut linking with Rob to give us the control and momentum to move forward, in attack Martin and George were outstanding and have the making of forging a good understanding. A special mention has to go to the only member of the squad that actually never made it to the field of play, Gordon, his constant encouragement and positive comments, also picking us up when we were not quite doing our respective roles went a long way to our victory.

 

Thanks to Will, Chris and Alan for supporting us, to Margate for their hospitality and to our referee Anthony Fletcher, the first time he has been involved for one of our games.

 

A great start to the campaign and a well deserved win, lots of games and challenges ahead to look forward to but we can tackle these with confidence and momentum. Well played everyone.

 

Match report by Jim Dobson.