U23's Draw With Sheppey At Home

By Paul Meade

Margate were looking for a positive response to last week’s 3-0 defeat to Faversham.

They certainly provided that by playing their best football of the season so far at Hartsdown Park.

A very fast intense high press was evident right from the start. With this press came a chance in the 9th minute with a slick run and pass from David Woodgate to Woody Pitman but his shot went over the bar.

It was the visitors who took a very fortunate lead just ten minutes later when a long range shot that was going straight to ‘keeper Blake Winter, got deflected off Nathan Geddes into his own net.

The character of the squad is certainly now developing and despite this set back continued to press until halftime.

HT 0-1

The ‘Gate came out at the start of the second half again with intense attacking, quick passing plays and in the 49th min when a great run and cross from Pitman found Reece Greig’s superb overhead kick, but it was saved by the ‘keeper.

The Blues had all the play in this half and were awarded a direct free kick after an excellent run by Loui Hoxha and he was brought down on the edge of the penalty area.

Geddes drove his shot low and hard and it eluded everyone for a more than deserved equaliser in the 63rd minute.

Continued pressure and shots from Charlie Meade, Grieg, Iman and Pitman could not find the elusive winner and in the end, Margate had to settle for a point.

Manager Tur Hoxha post-match thoughts.

“The best performance of the season so far dominated the game from start to finish against a top team.

“After going one goal down of the deflection, our heads didn't drop we just went for it with a good tempo, had a couple of chances but not composed enough in front of the goal.

“Second half was a complete performance by everyone high tempo good possession football and we created loads of chances. The goal came from a great free kick by Nathan Geddes who smashed it in the bottom corner. After that we went for the winning goal but unfortunately, that wasn't meant to be.”

The U23’s are back in action on Wednesday night as they travel to Staplehurst Monarchs.

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