Today was set to be a thriller of a game as the last two games against Margate youth were narrowly won by AUFC so Margate Youth had a point to prove. The game didn’t disappoint with excellent performances by both teams.
A statuesque Margate Youth started strong with an attempt on goal in first two mins. William, a vision in pink, got a hand to the ball and George cleared it off the line for a corner to Margate, which was handled confidently by Ashford’s strong defensive line up.
Ashford then began to dominate play holding possession and passing the ball well. In particular there was strong defensive play by Kuz, Will and George who combined well, a solid back 3. Notably Charlie on the wing pressed their number 4 confidently despite a sizeable height difference.
Again Ashford responded with creative play between Stan and Zach on the right wing supported by Harlow, testing the goal keeper. Midway through the first half Zach ‘s pinpoint cross to Stan allowed a curling shot from the out side of his right foot, forcing a stunning save by the Margate keeper.
Margate immediately started attacking play at the other end of the pitch with another attempt on goal. Well read positioning and a finger tip save by William, pushed the ball over the bar. Game well and truly on.
Ashford had a let off at the 20 min mark when Margate won a free kick on edge of the box sending the ball across the face of goal with Margate unable to find the net on this occasion.
Controlling the midfield Harry and Harlow worked hard pressing every ball and allowed some intelligent link up play between Kuzey and Stan. Kuzey threading it through to Stan for a shot on goal. Unfortunately the linesman signalled that it was just a margin offside. Margate responded by attacking immediately with a blistering shot not far off target.
At 25 mins – with the Margate keeper under pressure from a back pass from his own player, Stan capitalised on the GK not being able to pick up the ball to make it 1-0 to Ashford. Great pressure from Stan. COYNB!
Just before half time the number 9 Margate player stuck the ball well with a powerful shot, denied again by a confident catch by William.
HT Margate Youth 0-Ashford United 1
2nd Half
Ashford started confidently with some lovely passing despite a Margate team clearly energised by their half time team talk and hungry to equalise.
Margate were awarded an early free kick which was blocked by Marco. Assisted by excellent defending by Will and Gabe at the goal line.
Immediately Ashford pressed again and at 43 mins Stan sent a well thought out through ball to Zach who struck from edge of the box to score bottom corner. 2-0 to Ashford United. A fantastically executed goal from a top form Zach.
Margate responded quickly with some good attacking play and another shot on goal, confidently saved by Marco. Marco’s long range goal kick sent the ball to the feet of Harlow who pushed it on to Stan again who had another shot, just wide of target this time.
Another Margate free kick and ensuing corner was dealt with by George and Gabe confidently.
The relentless trio of Charlie, Leo and Stan worked tirelessly to press Margate’s defence, chasing every ball. With 10 mins to go Stan confidently put Charlie through on goal only for Charlie to be fouled in the box and denied a penalty.
With 6 mins to go there was no let up from either team and still plenty of end to end action with Margate shooting just wide of target. Margate continued to pressure and scored to make it 2-1 to the home side.
In the dying mins with Margate on the offensive there was some great defensive work by Gabe and Will forcing another Margate corner which was comfortably controlled by Ashford .
Finally the ref blew for full time. Another collaborative Ashford win.
Final score Margate Youth 1- Ashford United 2. A hard fought and well deserved 3 points for the away side.
This game had everything and at times emotions ran high on both sides. We saw passionate play and a desire to never give up. Well done to both teams for a gripping fixture.
Thanks to Mitch for running the line, Jackie for her sublime videography skills and the coaching team for their continued guidance and leadership
