Margate U23's Crowned Champions

By Paul Meade

Margate U23’s clinched the SCEFL Development League last night after a 3-0 away win at Bearsted FC!

The ‘Gate started a little cautious knowing a point would secure the title. This allowed the opposition to play a more attacking style of play.

But as the half developed, Margate were able to manage the game and became more confident. Kodie Bristow looked like he broke the deadlock, after some good play down the right between Morgan Page and Charlie Meade, who’s cross eluded the ‘keeper, but Bristow’s shot was cleared off the line.

Margate created more half chances from Loui Hoxha, Page and Owen Wilkinson, it would be Bearsted to create the next clear-cut chance, forcing a fine diving save from Alfie Langford.

In the second half, Margate stayed with their usual high tempo and a quick succession of corners produced saves and dogged defending from the opposition.

A fierce low drive from skipper Nathan Geddes was tipped around the post in the 52nd minute, as the ‘Gate pushed to get a goal.

Bristow had another fine shot saved by the legs of the ‘keeper, after more good play from Hoxha, who was starting to dominate the central midfield.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 63rd minute when a deep corner was headed back across goal and hammered into the roof of the net by Charlie Meade!

This inspired more attacking play and Morgan page thought he had scored the second after some precise short passes between Danny Martin and Tyler Lee released Meade whose low drive found Page but his shot hit the side netting.

There was a big scare at the other end when Bearsted hit the bar and Langford pulled off another great save to keep a deserved clean sheet.

Margate continued to press high as they had done all season, and scored their deserved second in the 73rd minute after Reece Greig’s header hit the bar but he was the quickest to react, heading in the rebound!

The ‘Gate did not stop there, and a brilliant one-two combination between Martin and Meade and Meade was able to pick out Raju Ahmed, who calmly slotted home the third for what ended a comfortable 3-0 victory!

An incredible season from the boys considering at the start of the season we didn’t have a full squad of players!

UP THE ‘GATE

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