After a disappointing start to 2020, Saturday morning saw a welcome return to form as we were treated to a delightful display. You could tell that we had a great blend from the off as the mixture produced a fantastic outcome, finally 2020 got going for us as the hardwork reproduced some of the fine efforts we had seen before Christmas, but that's enough about Hannah's cakes back to the football...

The early trip to Ramsgate saw us with a 9 player squad, Harry and Otis unavailable. Fin has picked up a thumb injury, meaning Louis prepared himself for a whole game in nets. The axis of Max P and Max B started in defence, forming a 'Maxis'. Kasper was at the heart of midfield. Flynn on the right side, Alfie buzzing around up front and making his debut at left midfield was Isaac (an astute January signing made just before the close of the transfer window). The energetic pair of Finn and Daley started on the newly unveiled bench (thanks Isaacs dad) but were ready and eager to enter the fray.

We had previously lost on our last trip to these parts, but luckily the allotment of a pitch was in better nick and we benefitted from the off. Taking advantage of a strong opening, tail wind and slight slope we lay seige on the Ramsgate goal. It didn't take long for the barriers to breached as Isaac struck on his debut. More joy followed as first Flynn, then Alfie added to our tally. The 'Maxis' held firm at the back and along with Kasper we battled for every ball. Great to see the determination in the tackle transferring from the training pitch to the games. The high tempo continued as Daley and Finn continued to take the game to the opposition. Alfie came off sweating after running his socks off and our dominance produced two more strikes before the break as Isaac completed a debut first half half trick. Take a bow son, take a bow.

The full bench was occupied for the half time team talk. Alfie and Kasper moved to defence. Max B into centre mid, Max P and Finn offered width and the Daley the duracell bunny chased everything up front. Isaac and Flynn had a breather.

As expected the second half was a battle as the wind picked up and for times we were encamped in our own half. But Louis made some great saves and the defence held firm, only conceeding one contentious penalty.

Credit to Ramsgate who were a nice bunch and produced some good football at times.

A great performance from the under 9s, a return to form, a victory and more importantly a great team attitude that really was the icing on the cake.