Gate Youngsters Exit Trophy
Margate FC Under 23s exited the Velocity Trophy, falling to a 2-0 defeat at Tooting and Mitcham on Tuesday evening.
Paul Robinson’s side acquitted themselves well with a particularly positive second half display, but a comeback was not quite to be as the hosts progressed courtesy of a clinical first half display.
The opening quarter of the game was a finely poised affair, with both teams getting a feel for each other without creating too clear an opportunity.
As the half wore on, the hosts began to enjoy a dominant spell showcasing their experience and skill to ask more probing questions of The Gate back line.
After some admirable work from the Margate defence, the deadlock was broken by a powerful shot from Razzaq Coleman.
The Tooting front man capitalising on time and space within the penalty area to put the ball beyond Owen Kallmerer in the Gate goal.
The hosts doubled their lead when Margate were unable to clear their lines from a teasing cross along the six-yard box which was poked home.
The Gate began the second half brightly, Marshall Wratten looking a dangerous outlet down the left-hand side was able to help construct some more threatening attacking moves.
With an established two-goal lead, The Gate were able to obtain more possession and could have drawn a goal back, Wratten just inches away from finishing off a good attack down the right-hand side.
Down the other end, Tooting rattled the post with a distance from range. The stand out moment in a competent second half defensive display for Margate’s Under 23s.
As the clock ticked, the hosts managed the game well, defending their lead to ensure a place in the next round of the trophy.
Whilst the defeat knocks The Blues out of the Velocity Trophy, there was attitude and application in abundance in a productive outing for Margate’s upcoming players.
Margate: Kallmerer, Amire, Agyemang (Bird), Prem, Conteu, Wratten, J Costa Sani, Landau (Mesquith), Harris, Lewis, Laing (Vincent-Slater)
Subs: Charles, Akanni