U18s, what a game

[differentgame]

What was worse, the pitch or the ref. Always a bad pitch at this (Headcorn) Maidstone ground but this time it was appalling. Ref got continuous stick from both sides as the match turned into a game of nutrition and fouls.

As already posted this was a chance for the Gate to snatch 3rd spot from Maidstone so both sides were up for it. Never going to be a pretty game as the ball bounced every which way and neither side managed to put more than 3 passes together. Mostly even for the first 20 mins until Margate put a great move together from midfield. My favourite, Dan Hughes had a big game and is was he who put McClean in for a run at goal from the right, a lobbed shot for 0-1. After this the ref and a few players lost it and it was more about taking players than the ball. McClean had 2 fair chances but went wide as half time came. Stones started the second half sharply and for some time looked like getting a reward. However, Matt Bowles pulled out one of his best performances to deny Stones anything. This and a strong defence kept Margate in the game. Gates midfield struggled to get anything from the middle, it was hit and miss as the ball held up. Dan H hit the bar from distance and Joe T had a couple of half chances too. Margate dug in and fought back and were rewarded on 80 when McClean ran at Stones defence and beat their diving keeper.

A lot was said from spectators, players and management (not Tom) in this ill tempered game with no help from the ref.

This was a coming of age for this team and I cannot over praise the squad today.

Things look good for 2008. A Happy Christmas to you all.

 

[I am Spartacus]

Thankyou dg. Always nice to read your reports and it sounds if it was agreat performance.

 

 

To all in the U18's set up.

[differentgame]

It was. Not saying too much but El-Hadji Diouf would have been proud. Also loads of threats. Not to say our lads did not stand their ground. Have to say these lads are turning into a good side. 2nd year u18s leading the way. Personally, I can see Dan Hughes in the first team in a few years. Margate must look after him.

[michael]

Whale done U18's and thanks for report.

Was it 2-0 to 'Gate then.

 

Like the bit about'come of age'sounds like they had to mix it up a bit-good stuff;and also love the bit about strong defence.

[differentgame]

Yes 0-2 to Gate. McClean scored both.

Pitch was dire, more like a ploughed field. Margates defence stood firm against some good players and ott tackles. Be interesting to see what MFC does at the end of the season when the 2nd year u18s need somewhere to go and the res side is full.

Nick Argi, Dan Hughes, Jamie Mcclean and Kyle Evens will be finished. McClean played for the res a few times last year but has been ignored this season, no reason why from management so I guess he will be going elsewhere next season. But that`s another story.

[CT9]

As the Dad of Jamie explain to him that he is playing every week, and next season will mature into the reserve team squad. At the moment the reserves are such a big squad they could field over 2 teams at the start of each game. Yet over half are told that they aren't needed each week and not even playing. They don't even get told until just before the game that they aren't needed.

How do you think they feel not even getting a match at all.

Plus playing on the Saturday and then the Sunday would open Jamie up to a lot of injuries and I would have thought that Margate coaching team do not want to "BURN OUT" their best young prospects.

I believe last year that a lot of the u18s played in the reserves due to lack of numbers. This doesn't apply this year and in the process of looking at future talent they have to give them all a chance to shine. Your boy gets this on a Sunday against his own age group and from your write ups he seems to do it very well.

 

[differentgame]

Hippy, I have sent you a rather long PM to give you reason for some of my comments. I hope you have the time to read it.