A Tale of Two Ramsgates

These last two weeks have seen us take the same road down to Margate to play the two Ramsgate team at Hartsdown Park. You always know what to expect, it's tight, lack of space, some aggression, lots of arm waving and if you see an opportunity you have to go for it ...and that's just trying to find a parking space!!

Game 1 v Ramsgate Whites: We set up with our traditional 2-3-1 formation and began strongly, creating some decent chances. Not one to criticise referees, we had one who was definitely going by the letter of the law. We had numerous foul throws and the game was a bit stop start. After conceding first the ref then awarded them a spot kick with a harsh handball decision. We found ourselves two down at the break. The lads came off a little forlorn but we picked them up and told them to show some pride and heart in the second half. We were not let down !! They rallied and Finlay halved the deficit. We continued to push for an equaliser but we couldn't quite find it. Another day we could have won it and definitely deserved a draw.

7 days and 1 good training session later and we found ourselves back at Hartsdown looking for that elusive parking spot and first win post lockdown!

This time we were up against the strong Ramsgate Green side. They looked to have enough players to invade a small country, we on the other hands were down to the bare bones, with Louis away, Fin injured and Alfie battling with his alarm clock!

The 7 lined up with Phil in goal, Kasper and Max P at the back, Flynn right, Max B in Centre mid, Isaac left and Daylee up front. Thankfully Alfie arrived giving us a much needed extra player.

The game was an exciting and tense action packed encounter from the first whistle. Both team playing some good football and creating chances at either end. We struck first with a well worked goal from Daylee, after good play from Max B and Isaac. Philip pulled of a world class save to keep us ahead before they broke again to take us in all level at halftime. The second half was equally exciting end to end stuff. Max P burst forward and assisted Alfie for a second goal. Again they struck back. Our last goal was a neat finish from Isaac after good work from Alfie. Ramsgate levelled again and despite further chances for both teams a draw was probably a fair result. Well played to both teams.

In summary both games have been close and we could easily have won them both, as it was we could definitely see signs of improvement and the fitness is coming back. It won't be long until we are back to the level we were pre-lockdown. It's been a strange stop start season but the lads have shown great spirit and determination. They are developing as a team and should feel very proud. Well done all.

Sorry to combine the match reports for the last two games, but not sorry to combine the Man of the Match award. All the lads have come back and playing well, but Matt P has hit the ground running, two barnstorming performances in the last two weeks and Man of the Match in both!