By David Woodgate
Tuesday night was a big game in Margate Women’s season where we hosted Women’s national league side, Chatham Town.
We knew it was going to be a tough task playing against a team three tiers above, but the players arrived upbeat and looking forward to the challenge.
This was a game that I and George were looking forward to as it would give us some insight on what needed to be worked on to help us build for next season.
It also saw the return of former Margate players and my twin daughters Amelia and Madison Woodgate.
The players set out with a no fear attitude and tried to play on the front foot but we were 1-0 down a few minutes in when a cross could only be turned into their own net by a recovering ‘Gate defender.
This gave Chatham the confidence to create chance after chance, and it was made hard for Margate to continue to try to play out from the back due to the intensity that Chatham pressed us and two more goals found us 3-0 down shortly after ten minutes into the game.
Margate finally settled down and tried to build into the game and had some successful spells of possession, but ultimately, the players struggled with the movement and rotation of the Chatham midfield.
Half time found us 5-0 down. The players were surprised at how good their opposition was but rallied themselves for the challenge.
The second half started with the introduction of Mia, who had been promoted from our U18’s side and settled straight into action as if she had played all season.
Shortly after, Sophie, Lily, and Anna were introduced, who are also players promoted from the u18s Anna has played for the Margate Women’s Development team for a large part of the season and came highly recommended by manager, Karl Smith.
Fitness showed in the second half, and the final result was 14-0. Rebecca Elsley had 2 good chances in the final ten minutes, forcing the Chatham goalkeeper to tip a great strike from outside the area over the bar and flashing a thunderous shot just over the crossbar.
Every player walked off the pitch with their heads held high, and all took something from the game, which ultimately is all we could have possibly hoped for.
Our focus now turns to our final league game against Cray Wanderers on the 13th April at home.
Thank you for all your support last night. Although the score was not what we would have wanted, I hope we all agree that it was an entertaining game of football.
UP THE ‘GATE
