U23's Lift Kent Intermediate Cup

Margate FC U23’s lifted the 2021/22 Kent Intermediate Cup on Wednesday evening, after overcoming Rusthall Reserves 2-0.

The Blues, managed by Paul Lamb faced a strong Rusthall Reserves side, and took their times to get to grip with their opponents. It was the visitors who had the first chance of the evening on 13 minutes as Adam James hit the post.

It took the hosts 27 minutes to conjure up their first opportunity of the evening as a through ball from Shaun Nketiah, found Jack Miller who rolled the ball to Sam Belsey who saw his shot continue to rise over the bar.

Rusthall hit straight back at the ‘Gate with a chance of their own as James rose highest in the box, only to see his strong header superbly saved by Tom Paris in the Blues goal.

The visitors had two glorious chances to open the scoring in the 40th and 41st minute as firstly George Montogomery hit the post, before the ball fell in the box a minute later as the visitors somehow struck the post from yards out, when it looked easier to tap the ball home.

The ‘Gate stole an advantage in added time of the first half as Sam Belsey was upended in the box as he was about to pull the trigger. Nketiah, calmly placed the ball down on the spot and passed the ball into the net to give the ‘Gate the advantage at half-time.

Midfielder Mitch Harman was impressing in the middle, and it was him that had the first two chances in the second half as he saw his shots miss the target, as the Blues went in search of their second goal.

Whilst Harman missed the two opportunities earlier in the half, he made no mistake in the 72nd minute as Margate put one hand on the trophy as Harman raced onto a through ball from Nketiah before keeping his composure and slotting home to make it 2-0.

The young ‘Gate side controlled the final 18 minutes of the game well, and could have extended their lead through Harman and Nketiah, however held on for the 2-0 win to lift the trophy.

Congratulations to Paul Lamb and his side on this fantastic achievement.

Man of the Match

Jack Miller

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