U23's Lose Late On

By Paul Meade

Margate's long unbeaten run came to an end last night, away to Snodland Town.

The young 'Gate side, who hadn’t played a game in six weeks, started well, and could have gone ahead as early as the 8th minute after a fierce strike from Reece Greig which brought out a fine save from the 'keeper.

Margate began to settle, on a surprisingly very hard bobbly surface, and created more chances. Charlie Meade found himself free on the left, but his shot went wide of the far post.

The deadlock looked as though it was going to be broken on the 18th minute, but Snodland found Alfie Langford in good form and he somehow clawed away a certain goal.

This inspired Margate to surge forward and created two great opportunities to go ahead themselves with a Chidu strike hitting the upright and Tyler Lee's effort going over the bar.

A change of formation in the second half continued the same theme but ultimately, no clear cut chances would come until late on.

The 'Gate's best chance came on the 87th minute first time shot from Meade that was put wide from five-yards.

This was fast becoming a very frustrating night. Langford was called into action on 65 mins with another excellent save before Chidu's effort was equally well saved by opposition 'keeper, turning his effort round the post four mins later .

Despite creating many chances and the game looking likely to end in a disappointing 0-0, but it was Snodland who broke down the right and with a cross come shot that alluded everyone but a Town striker at the far post, slotting home from close range in the 89th minute.

From Margate's restart and the subsequent frantic search for an equaliser began. Unfortunately, it was the home side that created once again and sunk any hope of an equaliser for the Blues. A cross that centre back, Luboya, could only guide into his own net for an own goal on the 92nd minute saw Snodland win the game 2-0, putting a dent in the 'Gate's title hopes.

We will look to bounce back on Tuesday as we travel to Staplehurst Monarchs.

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