Squad:

Peter
Jim
Colin
Les
Chris
George
Rob
Martin
Will

Our third league match of the season and our third victory, a perfect start. This age groups first visit to Ham Street for a couple of years, the over 60s have had success on their last couple of encounters with several of us having played there before for but this was the first for the 65s. As many already knew the surface is not ideal and the dimensions of the pitch are like nothing else we come up against, throw 6 aside in to the equation along with determined opponents comfortable on their own patch meant we could have been in for a difficult evening.

It’s fair to say we had a bit of a slow start and quickly fell behind, it was a well taken goal placed in to the corner of our goal giving Peter no chance of saving. Maybe this woke us up a bit as looking back on our overall performance the home team had very few additional efforts, shots were either blocked or went high and wide, we didn’t panic about conceding and slowly and surely we began making chances, George brought us level after good work from Chris and Les, Les was next on the scoresheet to put our noses in front as he benefited from a great pass from Pete. Into the break ahead by a single goal although it probably should have been more.

A couple of changes at half time freshened things up and we were now in the ascendancy playing for the most part in the Ashford half, Martin getting a brace with assists from Les and Rob. We did get a bit close with the running offences but thankfully our discipline after reaching the threshold of where another misdemeanour would have meant a penalty kick was excellent, the most pleasing part of this second half however was our marking, we gave up very little time or space when out of possession, home team players just didn’t get the opportunity to get back in the game as we played the situation brilliantly.

Thanks to Ashford for their hospitality and Chris Smith for refereeing, Chris had an excellent game and showed why he is one of the top ranked officials, more importantly thanks to the whole squad for a superb performance with everyone playing a part in coming away with the points.

Next up is Woodnesborough Reds, this will be a great test for our squad, something we can take on with confidence and keep this excellent start going.

Match report by Jim Dobson.