U23's Lose Away To Faversham

By Paul Meade

Margate U23’s away fixture was one full of positivity after last week’s excellent home draw against Maidstone Utd. With the same squad came an air of confidence to look for their second away victory.

Despite starting the brighter and with more intensity than their opposition this was cut short as early as the 8th minute after a direct free kick for a harsh handball was awarded. The resulting strike gave Blake Winter no chance of saving and Faversham took the lead.

This set back did not deter the young ‘Gate side and they continued with their high press. From a resulting corner they thought their efforts had been rewarded after a great set back from Billy Miles into the path of Woody Pitman who’s fierce first time shot came back of the Faversham cross bar on the 12th minute.

But it was Faversham who scored the next goal with a run through the Margate defence to take a two-goal advantage into halftime.

Margate again came out with a positive energy and on 49 minutes Reece Greig’s side foot shot looked a certain goal, but was cleared off the line.

There were long range efforts from Hoxha, Chidu and Pitman and a jinking run and shot from Iman Allam forced a fine save from the ‘keeper.

It was with this pressure that Margate needed to score if they were to force their way back into the game.

But it was Faversham who scored what was the final goal of the game on 77 minutes with the left winger beating fullback Tom Handley, and sliding his right foot shot under Winter to seal a home victory.

This game was one that the squad need to learn that at the higher-level teams need to convert their chances when they arise and that was the difference between the two sides.

U23’s manager Tur Hoxha said it was a “very disappointing result for us”.

“The boys had a good start with the same energy and tempo as they did last Friday. After conceding the first goal our boys dropped their concentration and focus, which led to some individual errors.

“Myself and the coaching staff are very disappointed as the boys didn't do the basics right, which is the minimum required in football.

“We must concentrate on the next game against Sheppey and try to put things right to improve their development and progression.”

UP THE ‘GATE

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