U18 Premier Vs VCD Kent Cup

[WillU18]

Margate U18 Premier 3
VCD Athletic 1
Kent Cup Last 16

The elements has really hit football hard over the last couple of months, and this was only Gate's second game in nine weeks and if not for 3G pitches it would of been no games for nine weeks. 

This fixture being played after three failed attempts and finally moving the fixture too a 3G pitch saw the Gate players foaming at the mouth to get some competitive football under their belts. Gate was without Travis Jackson & Aaron Simpson away on Kent duty, Aaron James suspended & Rhys Austin slowly returning back too action.

 

 

The early stages saw total Gate dominance with early chances from Nyaruwa, Cheek & Armstrong but only for the woodwork and a clearance of the line the score stayed level. The goal was always coming for Gate and great build play saw left back Edwards get away and his excellent cross found Nyaruwa who beat his marker and headed home great team goal 1-0. The dominance continued for Gate but wasteful play in the final third gave VCD some confidence and with Brogan Britton pulling all the strings they always looked like they could level the tie. The remainder of the half saw a continued frustration for the Gate attacking force with several misplaced passes and wasted chances, the only plus from the first half was a fantastic performance from Anthony Davies who was enjoying his best game for Gate since his move from Herne Bay early season.

The second half message was "simple the game up and clean things up in the final third", with this chances soon started pilling up for Gate with again several attempts coming close. Gate needed to freshen things up and Goldsmith made way for Epps and it was Epps who turned the heat up and a pin point corner found defender Ryan Cheek who headed home for his first goal for Gate 2-0. Athletic now looking down hearted the third was fired home when great link up play from Epps, Fuller & Donnelly and it was Epps who again assisted Captain Priddle on the edge of the box who hit a first time strike into the bottom corner 3-0. The clock had less than five minutes on the clock and with Gate making all five changes it was a misplaced pass from Man of the Match Anthony Davies and Priddle made a foul twenty yards out. Athletic's Brogan Britton took the ball with minutes left on the watch and with keeper Hills setting his wall up a little wrong Britton took great advantage of this and fired a perfect free kick into the bottom corner for a late consolation 3-1

Next Sunday, sees the next round of the Kent Cup where Gate face Dartford at home in the Quarter Final. This is a mouth watering tie with both teams featuring a host of Kent County & Kent School players aswell as several of the Dartford outfit featured in the FA Youth Cup run which saw them beaten by Chelsea.

[BlueGate Alan]

Well done Will and the lads.