U23's Take Big Step Towards Title

By Paul Meade

Margate U23’s moved another step closer towards the SCEFL Development League title after a 4-3 away win against a well organised Sheppey team, on Monday evening!

The ‘Gate started brightly, and after only four minutes, could have gone ahead after some good interplay between Reece Greig, Morgan Page and Owen Wilkinson, set up Charlie Meade to shoot, which was tipped around the post by the ‘keeper.

Greig and Meade linked up again on the 14th minute, when another through ball fell to Meade, who this time made no mistake giving the away side the lead. There were plenty more chances created with shots from Loui Hoxha, Raju, Greig, and Page, to increase the lead, but could not convert.

Sheppey then had two breakaways and scored two identical goals from headers after a lack of concentration giving the home side a 2-1 advantage.

However direct from the kick-off, skipper Nathan Geddes, drilled a pass which found Reece Greig and his run and shot restored the balance with a deserved equaliser. Unfortunately, just before half time, Sheppey would take a 3-2 advantage.

Margate knew they had to take their chances. Meade continued to cause problems down the right, but he was unable to hit the target after good team play, with Owen Wilkinson’s increased work rate and Hoxha becoming more involved it was looking like a frustrating night was going to be the outcome.

But in the 75th minute, Charlie Meade beat his man again, and his cross found young substitute Kodie Bristow, who hammered his shot into the net from ten yards for the equaliser!

This was the spur to push the ‘Gate on and a fine pass from centre back Ben, once again found Charlie Meade who drove down the right and his cross was drilled home by Hoxha to score what was to be the eventual and deserved winner!

There was a last-minute scare for Margate, when from a corner, the Sheppey striker hammered the ball goal-bound, but a fantastic one handed fingertip save onto the crossbar from Alfie Langford secured the vital three points.

This moves Margate six points clear of Maidstone United at the top of the table with just two games to go for the Stones, and just a point in the final home game away to Bearsted will secure the title!

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