MFC Res 1, Whitstable Town 2

[Wellsie]

Match report available on www.margate-fc.com.

[blueblood]

Well done to The Margate Youngsters. A surprisingly big crowd at Hartsdown Park, including Whitstable Chairman Gary Johnson and members of the club committee watched a entertaining hard fought game.

I must admit as I stood in the internal tea bar, looking out over the Whitstable team of as they warmed up,and across towards our youngsters,at the north end (7 or 8 of whom had played a gruelling 120 minutes + penalties on Thursday) I thought "no,not going to happen", we are in for a drubbing here.

How wrong can you be. From the off Whitstable came at us, but give our defence credit they stood firm, soaked up the pressure and launched counters.

"Dan Barham", who had stood in for Josh Matless(on 1st team sub duty at Faversham) and Dave Parker (waiting for a scan on a knee injury) is as keepers go these days, "altitude challenged". He filled his goal as well has anyone, so well in fact that taking in to consideration all the other good performances on the out field, I made him my M-O-M. Dan also covered his box and came out well for crosses.

For 75% of the game we out played them, it was only when the legs and minds of those who had played Thursday began to tire Whitstable took control.

What I like about these youngsters is "They play football on the ground". They try to play the correct way.

This is not meant as a criticism; When they learn to go into their tackles, to go into opposition challengers with a clear mind they will be an excellent side. Learn these lessons well this year and you will have nothing to fear next season in the Ryman Youth ???

Of the senior players, "Danny Holloway" is developing well, totally different player than the one I saw at the beginning of last season. Sammy Cliff, we all know Sammy, "FRUSTRATING". The term "What a lad" was surly invented for him, he has all the skills (again as we all know).To my mind he needs fitness. Personally I like Sammy, He's a "Manc" Say's it all

To the Whitstable lad who took the penalty, can you come back and help us look for the ball please. last seen heading towards a 747 as it trundled down the Manston runway for take off, heading towards Senegal. Odear, another ball for "JK".