Match Report - BAY CITY STROLLERS 60S - 03 Nov 2024

REPORT BY MIKE COLE

Canterbury Mariners 60s played Bay City Strollers on Sunday November 3rd in the large cage at Baypoint, Sandwich.

From the start, the two teams seemed very well matched and initial good marking made it a very tight game, despite the size of the pitch. Unfortunately, early on, we failed to close down a Bay City player quickly enough, and a speculative shot from well outside the area found its way through numerous legs, and into the bottom corner, giving Jan no chance.

The game continued evenly with a lot of the play down the flanks and into the corners, but with too much running by both sides. Bay City soon racked up four offences and referee, Chris Smith, pointed to the spot. Mike’s penalty was well struck bringing the scoreline to 1-1.

Shortly after this, Mike won the ball from a Bay City defender and struck a screamer into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance.

Unfortunately, this well-earned lead was squandered as we committed our fourth running offence, and Bay City equalised from the penalty.

Both teams continued to create medium-range chances, but the keepers were up to the task. However, just before half-time, slack marking again allowed one of those chances to sneak through our defence, meaning it was 3-2 to Bay City Strollers at half-time.

The second half proved to be as tight as the first half with our Manager, Paul, mixing things up by substituting and rotating our wide midfield positions between Rupert, Simon and Geoff. Bay City enjoyed a couple of periods of sustained pressure resulting a number of goal attempts but, once again, Jan was brilliant in goal, and kept them out.

We, too, then enjoyed some good possession which led to more attacking football and, at one point, our front players drew the Bay City defence away, leaving Andy to advance through the gap, and lob a shot into the goal. Unfortunately, this went over crossbar height and was, rightly, disallowed.

Shortly afterwards, some great inter-play between Mike and Rupert created another chance with Rupert’s fine shot going off the keeper into the goal. Sadly, it had gone high and was ruled out. Lady luck was not on our side!

Despite Bay City’s 3-2 victory, it would be fair to say we were unlucky to not come away with at least a point. We created chances which augurs well, but we gave away a cheap goal with the four running offences. A lesson to be learned!

Thank you to the unused subs, Brian and Steve P, and the other supporters on the side lines.

Our Player of the Match was Mike Cole.

Our next 60s game is at 1200 on Sunday November 17th at Aylesham against Ramsgate. Immediately afterwards, our 50s play Bay City Strollers. All support will be most welcome!