U23's Defeat Sittingbourne Reserves

Report by Paul Meade

Margate U23’s continued their pre-season build up with a very impressive 3-1 home win in their penultimate friendly against an experienced Sittingbourne Reserves.

A very young U23 side started brightly and could have gone ahead as early as the 4th min with a fierce drive from midfielder Reece Greig that crashed against the bar.

Margate became more dominant as the half progressed playing very attractive possession based attacking football. With some excellent one touch wing play down the right from the consistent Tyler Lee and Jude Buchanan found Loui Hoxha on the edge of the box but his first time shot dipped over the bar.

It was Sittingbourne however that took the lead in the 17th minute with a long ball over the top of the ‘Gate defence direct to the striker who easily lobbed the advancing Kyle Simmonds.

This did not phase Margate who continued to create good scoring opportunities with shots by Laming, Hoxha , Greig and Vinnie Bowman.

Margate were rewarded for their intricate play in the 44th minute from a perfect pass by Hoxha to Bowman who slotted home a deserved equaliser going into the break all square.

With changes made at half-time by both teams, it was Sittingbourne that started to press and cause Margate’s defence more problems and they should have taken the lead on a couple of occasions but found keeper Jack Scott in fine form having just come on.

Margate did start to control the game after this period of pressure and again created more chances that should have been taken but for a mixture of inconsistent finishing, fine saves and solid defending.

On 58 minutes the very impressive striker Bowman combined well with Greig who’s pass was flicked on by Kodie Bristow for Hoxha fine timed run and lob to put ‘Gate deservedly ahead.

With more substitutions, the game started to become more open but it was Margate who finished the stronger with Bowman doubling his tally for the night with a calm first time finish from a Steve Godden right wing cross making it 3-1.

Margate again hit the cross bar twice more from Buchanan and Bowman who should have completed his hat trick but hit a shot straight at the keeper.

The U23’s play their final pre=season game at Hartsdown Park on Friday evening as they welcome Maidstone United U23’s with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm.

Goalscorers

Loui Hoxha

Vinnie Bowman x 2

MOM: Vinnie Bowman

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