U23'S Win Again At Hartsdown Park

By Paul Meade

Margate FC U23’s moved up into fourth spot in the Southern Counties East Development League after a thrilling 5-3 home victory against second placed Hollands & Blair on Friday evening.

After having some late arrivals due to work commitments and train delays it was still Margate that started the brightest.

This was always going to be a tough fixture against a well organised opposition.

However it was the young ‘Gate side that scored at regular intervals in the first half with left winger Finlay Saunders opening the scoring early on 11 mins followed by Chidu 25mins and Iman Alam completing the scoring in the 38th min before conceding a late goal to cap off an impressive start.

The second half started off as the first finished but it was a much improved opposition that took their chances clawing their way back to 3-3.

This was now a severe test to Margate’s character after conceding two quick goals but again they came through with another level of professional positive attitude taking the lead on 80 mins with another excellent performance from 16-year-old Saunders who grabbed his second of the night.

Despite a late burst of pressure, which The ‘Gate’s defence cope admirably, the game was finally sealed when Kodie Bristow scored Margate’s fifth to complete a very good victory in front of a healthy crowd of 85.

Post-match reflection from coach Chris Mills:

“For me with the players we got out injured just shows the quality in depth. The young boys have stepped in and done really well. In this game we had seven from U18’s squad and four of those being 16, the future is bright!”

The next game for our U23's is away at Herne Bay on Monday the 9th of December as they look to continue their recent fine form!

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