Faversham Res 3 Margate Res 1

[Kev Barham]

Although Margate put in another battling performance, it was Faversham that deservedly walked away with the 3 points.

What has got to be remembered is that at the moment with the going on's before the season started , this is like Margate's pre-season having had no friendlies and one training session.

No one can fault the lads commitment and attitude and it is going to take a good few weeks to try and get things settled.

Saying that, within the first 5 minutes, Margate had 2 chances to take the lead with good crosses coming in from the right foot of Matt Cole but unfortunately the Faversham defence got their first.

Faversham took the lead in the 20th minute when the ball was whipped in, and in trying to cut the cross out, Chris jordan sliced the ball into his own net. Margate had a good chance just after when the ball was put through to Phil Hendey who tried to lob the oncoming keeper but the ball went wide.

Margate were forced into two changes by the time the second half started due to injuries and changed their formation but the strength and fitness of Faversham was showing and it was,nt long before they made it 2-0 and then a contentious decision by the Official after he played the advantage when the Margate Keeper tripped the Faversham striker who stayed on his feet and got his shot in which was blocked on the line, but then pulled play back for a penalty of which i would have thought that the advantage had already been used.

The penalty was placed into the bottom right corner.

Once again Margate never gave up and were rewarded when Aston Smith battled his way through the Faversham defence to slide the ball under the keeper into the net.

A special word must go to Margate keeper Billy Drinkwater who pulled off some fine saves. throughout

[Pridders]

Just to add to what Kev has said above. We knew it was going to be hard work today against a strong Faversham side which contained a player just back from England schoolboy duties and several who are in academy's at higher clubs. We started the brighter of the two sides but it wasn't long before Faversham took control of the game.

 

I was happier with the shape of the side in open play and the back four were communicating well and keeping their line. The opening goal was very fortunate as nine times out of ten the deflection off of Chris Jordan wouldn't have ended up nestling in the back of the net! Although we rode our luck at times it was a containing job until the break. Jack Smethers, feeling the effects of Thursdays FA Youth Cup match in Sussex, and a blow to his neck in this game had to be replaced just before the break. Darryl Leitch also picked up a knock before the interval which forced another change.

 

We also went with a formation change to give more support to Phil Hendey. We were slow to start in the second half and Faversham picked up where they left off. They changed their approach to overload our left hand side, and several saves from Billy Drinkwater saw us stay in the game. You felt the second goal was coming, Drinkwater made yet another great stop only for the Faversham forward to react quickest to the rebound and slot home.

 

The lads didn't let their heads drop even after a very contentious penalty decision. As we tired we actually started playing the better football, with balls finding feet for a period. Aston Smith capitalised on some sloppy defending and finished well to make the game 3-1.

 

Again, well played Billy between the sticks. I also feel a mention must go to Phil Hendey who really did run himself into the ground selflessly today, and is starting to look a lot sharper. Hopefully he'll be with us for another couple of games whilst he gets back to full fitness before joining up with the first team.

 

Overall Kev and I have definitely learned some things about a few players and identified where we need to improve. There are some new faces to come in as well. Just to reiterate what Kev has said. This is like a pre-season for the side and unfortunately the first three games (Herne Bay to come) sees us facing arguably the three strongest sides in the Division.

Edited September 11, 2011 by Pridders

[Pagey]

nice of you both to rise to the challenge.

[Iris's Tea Hut]

Hats off to you and all the lads. This certainly will need to be a gutsy season for all involved, and characters will be built out of this.

[michael]

Always a shame not to get a ny points-but even so-given the circumstances-seems a decent effort again-when they could easily have been wallopped 6-0 or more-so encouraging i reckon.

 

Even better is that Pridders and KB take the trouble to post direct.

 

Surely that in itself stimulates anadditional bit of interest in the progress of the reserves-and is certainly appreciated by me.

 

Maybe it may get 5-10 more locals to go to watch reserves `games-and from little acorns...