Thanet Derby Delight For U23's

By Paul Meade

Margate took a step nearer the SCEFL Development League title with another home win this time over local rivals Ramsgate!

The first half was very tentative for both sides, but Margate still created the better chances having two great opportunities to score from Owen Wilkinson, after he was set up from Kodie Bristow’s cross and midfielder Gabriel Duo’s low drive just going inches wide.

These were the highlights of a scrappy first period with both teams going into the break level at 0-0.

Margate replaced the young hard-working Bristow at half-time, with Charlie Meade, who made an instant impact after 40 seconds from the restart. He latched onto a fantastic long ball from Morgan Page, after a three pass combination, and drilled his shot past the oncoming Ramsgate ‘keeper to break the deadlock!

Ten minutes later from a Meade corner the ever-impressive Fenn Roberts, climbed the highest to power his header beyond the keeper for the ‘Gate’s second.

This should have inspired Margate to relax and manage the game, but Ramsgate reacted the positively to the 2-0 deficit and were determined to make inroads by having plenty of possession, but unable to create any clear-cut chances. This was due to another fine display from Margate’s defensive unit of ‘keeper Alfie Langford, skipper Nathan Geddes, Tyler Lee, Chidu and, Fenn Roberts.

Margate were able to sustain this pressure and create more goal scoring opportunities from Owen Wilkinson, who must have thought he had scored, but the Rams ‘keeper somehow tipped his goal-bound shot, around the post. Wilkinson had another chance to put the game to bed, with a free header from a Chidu cross, but he just couldn’t find the target.

As the game entered the final minute, Ramsgate did pull a goal back after being awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. This resulted in a fierce drive that Langford had no chance in stopping and setting up an interesting final 6 mins of added time.

Margate managed injury time to perfection and deservedly took all three points to go six points clear at the top!

This win meant that U23’s has won their last five consecutive games and finished their home campaign undefeated at Hartsdown Park!

UP THE ‘GATE

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