Reserves 2 Ashford Town Reserves1 Floodlite Trophy

[BlueGate Alan]

In a highly entertaining game between two young sides who wanted to play a fast passing game, our Reserves came out with a well deserved win, though to give Ashford their due they never gave up chasing the game.

 

In the 10th minute Luke Coleman knocked the ball down to Shane Brown who shot wide of the post. Coleman then took a free kick on the right which he pushed into the danger area and after a bit of head tennis the ball fell to Joe Taylor who saw his well hit shot deflected off the line by an Ashford defender. Ashford's main danger seemed to stem from their number 10 James Humphries and it was him who took a free kick in the 34th minute which he curled around the wall but Scott Chalmer Steven saw it coming and managed to push the ball around the post.

 

Humphries then put over a delightful cross on the right which was met powerfully by John Ralph but his header went just wide. Chris Lewis then went on a delightful run and his through ball found Coleman who tried a chip but saw it go just over the bar leaving the two sides goaless at half time.

 

Margate started the second half brightly and the home support thought Brown had put them ahead when another through ball by Lewis found him running into the area with a defender, and he cooly slotted the ball home. However his joy was short lived when the linesman had flagged for a tug on the defender as he went past him.

 

Two minutes later, in the 52nd minute, Margate did take the lead when a clearance by the Ashford defence fell to Luke Coleman on the edge of the area and his well hit shot found the back of the net. There then followed a period of play from both sides which although attractive yeilded little clear cut chances, the Margate defence looking particularly solid in the centre with tough tackling from Luke Wheatley and Nick Treadwell winning everything in the air.

 

Coleman then picked up a shoulder injury in the 73rd minute and was replaced with Johnny Greaves. This nearly brought about a second goal immediately when Greaves put a delightful ball over to Brown on the left of the area but he hit his shot wide of left post. Five minutes later Margate did double their lead when a well taken corner by Sam Noble found the head of Luke Wheatley who loooped his header over Neil Manning in the Asford goal to cap off a fine display from the young defender.

 

Mark Weatherly then gave the returning Jimmy McClean a run out on the left and he looked straight at home with some darting runs at the defence finding himself lots of space on the wing. However James Humphries had other thoughts of saving the game and in the 85th minute he latched onto a ball and hit a shot past SCS into the right hand corner to reduce the arrears.

 

Margate came straight back and the hard working Lewis hit a terrific shot from 35 yards which headed towards goal but Manning pushed it over the bar. Three minute from time Margate were awarded a penalty for a push in the area from a Noble corner. Greaves stepped up to take it but hit his shot just to the keepers right who saved it with ease. Lewis then had the final chance of the game when another well hit shot fizzed just over the bar.

 

Team: SCS, Harker (Morrell 45th min), Gibson, Treadwell, Wheatley, Noble, Lewis, Taylor, Brown, Coleman (Greaves 73rd min), Vanhinsberg (McClean 78th minute) Subs not used: Justice, McAree

 

Att 44 inc concessions

[differentgame]

Well written Alan, but sure Jack Morrell came on around half time, could say that the game changed at that moment. It was a fine game of footall. Would be interesting to see what the average age was, a guess would be under 20. Can`t think of better value for

[BlueGate Alan]

I agree Andy, sorry didn't see that sub, who did he replace?

[differentgame]

I think it was Harker.

[BlueGate Alan]

Ah so far side of field, its my age my eyes can't see that far

[Broadstairs Dave]

Specsavers voucher onthe way!

[BlueGate Alan]

 

Who said Smilies don't come in useful

[TSO]

Great football to watch. Must agree the three that have impressed me so far this season have been our two very young centre halves (Treadwell and Wheatley) plus Shane Brown. They've slotted into the reserve set-up and combined very well in demanding positions, after others from last season have left, or been promoted to the 1st team

The whole squad just seem to get better and better every week, for the last 2 seasons. A very very good team performance.

 

 

[differentgame]

From my 2 and a bit years having regular contact/dealings with MFC youth/reserves it seemed that there was a coming together of quite a few good u18 players in 2006/07 and then a few more in 2007/08. From my stand point Tom Hickman and Phil Fennell had a lot to do with bringing these players on and taking them a big step forward. It was towards the end of the 2006/07 season that we saw Mark giving many of these u18s a chance in the reserves. The problem was that some had to give way to others and were dropped. Along with this the need to give trialists/first team players a show case meant that more youngsters were side lined and of course lost heart. However, those who have stuck around are slowly getting a chance again, and for what it`s worth, I think the last few reserve games full of youth have been far better with football being played at a good level. Not easy for MW or BA as MFC are blessed with a wonderful crop of promise.

Keep going lads, those who get to your games appreciate what you do and the standard of football on show.

[I am Spartacus]

With the young footballing talent at MFC now the future over the next 5-8 years looks very promising. I think if anyone needs to be convinced as to how good these lads are just look at TY during the game and see the obvious enjoyment he gets.

 

In my (poor) judgement I can see from the team that was on display on Tuesday at least 4 players that will grace MFC for years to come.

 

[michael]

Or maybe they go on to League clubs and earn MFC a transfer/developmen fee, which is surely the other aspect of developing younger players-terminology is not great and is a bit de-humanising-but realistically these guys are the clubs assets

[Iris's Tea Hut]

Originally Posted By: michaelmichael

Or maybe they go on to League clubs and earn MFC a transfer/developmen fee, which is surely the other aspect of developing younger players-terminology is not great and is a bit de-humanising-but realistically these guys are the clubs assets

Romantically, you'd love to see the group of players grow through the ranks into the first team, then continue developing and taking the club with them to the next level each time. however, that is unlikely (although what we should strive for IMO) and thus the cash would be handy!!

[differentgame]

Agree ITH, I would guess that the amount of money these players would raise if sold would, at the moment, would be minimal. As we know football, especially at Margate, is precarious and many of these players do not get a full innings to show their worth as more lads come up from the youth ranks and elsewhere. Does MFC say we`ll stick with what we have for 3 years and see where we go, only taking new players from the youth set up. Or, continue to bring "proven" players in, in the hope that they can lift MFCs fortunes.

IMO, I have not been overly impressed with some of the imports we`ve see this season and would like to see the youngsters make their way with MFC. As you say, they could take the club upwards. Of course I`m asuming that MFC is still in business. Whatever, they are worth the