Depleted squad end season in fourth
Following their second place finish in the Kent Walking Football League West Division our Over 60s Blues attended the finals day at a very hot Maidstone YMCA on Sunday.
The squad was severely depleted due to injury and prior engagements, but we still took a strong squad into our first match against the East Division champions Woodnesborough. Unfortunately, our rock at the back Gary ‚Äòkeep the ball’ Roden was injured very early on and despite struggling on for a few minutes took no further part in the tournament. Nevertheless, following an excellent period of retaining possession we took the lead through Martin Brindley just before half-time.
In the second half Woodnesborough changed their tactics and the League’s leading scorer started to gain control within this extremely physical team. They clearly knew how to play the rules and rapidly took a 2-1 lead before securing further two goals towards the end of the game. This wasn’t a surprising result given the circumstances but our Blues still put in an excellent shift.
In the 3rd/4th playoff we took on Herne Bay. We soon gathered a two goal lead through Nigel Bragg and Craig Knowles and with possession retention yet again we looked in control. A goal brought Herne Bay back into the game but another Nigel Bragg left foot put Angels 3-1 ahead. Unfortunately, some unexpected refereeing allowed Herne Bay back into the game and an extraordinary decision right at the end of normal time gave them a penalty which they duly dispatched to earn a draw. During this game, we also lost another of our players, Martin Brindley, through injury leaving us down to the bare bones of six.
In extra time neither team looked likely to score so we moved onto penalties. Unfortunately, we lost 3-1 but given the circumstances finishing fourth in the county is a remarkable result and testament to the application and progress we have shown throughout the season.
(Report from Glyn Hollands)
 
