Hi All
We knew that Ramsgate would be an extremely strong opposition. They were out to get every point they could to consolidate their position in the top half of the league and we wanted the points to move up the table.
The game started with the both teams probing for an opening and the ball remaining in the middle third of the pitch. The midfielders were seeing plenty of possession with Mike and Rupert trying to move forward. We were getting the ball up to Rob but their defence held strong and we often were limited to long range shots or needing to recycle the ball.
That said, however, Ramsgate were also kept at arms length and their long range shots were either blocked or easily handled by Jan.
As the half progressed Rob was getting a little more space and he held the ball up well with Mike, Rupert, Steve E and Den all getting strikes away with some working the Ramsgate keeper who was keeping them in the game. As players tired, a little more space was occurring and the game became more end to end. with Ramsgate starting to press high and trying to pin us down.
Their press eventually paid dividends with a sloppy ball in midfield being intercepted and Ramsgate midfielder moved forward before letting fly and seeing his shot go in off the post with Jan having no chance.
We continued to push right from the restart with us getting more possession higher up the pitch and putting Ramsgate on the back foot. Some good interchange between Rob, Mike and Steve E saw the ball arrive at Rob's feet on the right and he hit a low hard shot that flew past their keeper and into the corner.
We were no in the ascendancy but their defence remained resolute and the half finished all square at 1 - 1.
The second half started as the first had finished. We were on the front foot and Ramsgate were getting more and more frustrated. Their forward was being rattled by Colin and Den and was pleading with the referee every time him got the ball. We starved him of support and the ball was often just being recycled off of him rather than them creating a clear opening.
We made a change and bought on fresh legs in the midfield to stop their progress up our right and to make the pitch wider. Rob and Mike came close but our passing started to look laboured and we gave away possession more often than we would have wished to.
Ramsgate's frustration continued to build and they started arguing amongst themselves and were constantly in the referees ear. We managed to get a free kick at the edge of their D which was taken quickly through to Colin in the centre of the goal but he shot wide.
With only minutes remaining, Ramsgate started to throw everything at us and we were camped on the edge of our box. We did start to panic somewhat and gave away a raft of free kicks which fortunately didn't result in any cards but both teams were now on 3 non walking offences and care was being taken to ensure no penalties were given away.
We defended in numbers and made several good blocks but we couldn't get the ball up to Rob and gain some respite. Ramsgate were pushing for the points. Despite, their best efforts we held out and the game finished Canterbury Mariners 1 - 1 Ramsgate. A draw was the least we deserved and, but for some good keeping and resolute defending, we could have easily won.
This was a fantastic team performance. Every team member played their part and again this was a huge step forward in performance for us.
My thanks to the entire team who gave everything from start to finish and all came off the pitch with nothing left in the tank.
Additionally, my thanks go to Paul C and Steve P who were unused substitutes but remained ready to fill in throughout.
Finally, my special thanks to the support we were given by those that braved the cold and rain to stand and offer vocal support and bear witness to the best performance I, for one, have seen from the 60s squad.
The Player of the Match went to the entire team. No individual could seen to better or apply greater effort than anyone else on the pitch.
Paul
