Match Report - BAY CITY STROLLERS 60S - 19 Apr 2026
⚽ Result
BAY CITY STROLLERS 60s 3
CANTERBURY MARINERS WALKIN 3
🏆 Competition
Away league match
📅 When
Sunday, 19 April 2026
📍 Venue
THE LANGTON (Away)
KENT FA LEAGUE 60S
Match Report
Bay City Strollers v Canterbury Mariners
Bay Point
April 19th, 2026
Squad
Mike Cole
Andy Connellan
Shaun Dawson
Paul Denys
Rob Johnson (Capt.)
Jan Knott
Kev McLaughlin
Den O’Brien
Steve Pressman
Manager: Jon Payne
Following a midweek discussion between the coaches, we started with Kev in a very advanced striker’s position on the edge of the Bay City box.
In part, it worked very well, particularly in the first half, and we were able to get a number of passes through to Kev. However, in that role, the striker needs the midfielders to get closer to him, and he needs to make quick firm passes to them. Everyone will learn and it will pay regular dividends.
It certainly did after 10 minutes when a good lay off to Den saw him fire an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
We were the dominant side at this stage, but a foot in the box gave Bay City a penalty. Fortunately, Jan saved this diving to his left and the status quo was maintained.
Sadly some poor marking just before half time saw our opponents equalise with a curling shot into the top corner.
The half time team talk dictated more of the same, but we were soon 2-1 behind when a Bay City player sprinted on to the ball to score. Our protests fell on deaf ears!
Some timely substitutions followed. Rob, who was under the weather, was replaced by Steve P, and Kev, who had toiled tirelessly up front, gave way to Andy C.
Very soon, from his left midfield position, Andy took the ball past two defenders and arrowed a shot across the keeper into corner for our equaliser.
Then, a lack of concentration allowed a Bay City to get through on goal unhindered and we were behind yet again.
With the game nearing its conclusion, the referee finally got to grips with the excessive running, and penalised Bay City for their fourth offence. Mike stepped up to send an unstoppable shot past the keeper, and we had earned a hard-fought draw to which the whole squad contributed.
Conclusions - the advanced striker is a tactic that will work with more practice in training, but the failure to track and mark is something that must be seriously addressed.
Mike was Player Of The Match for a dominant defensive display allowing Bay City’s main striker no space or time, for his constant vocal encouragement and advice, and for the excellent penalty.
Many thanks to Jon Payne, our manager on the day.
