Margate Reserves 2-3 Maidstone United

Scorers

Stones: Ribbens 7, Sinden 12,18

Margate :Masey 35, Brewer 67

Line-up

Stones: Starting line up:Reynolds, Riley, Ribbens, Foley, McCabe, Edwards, Lacy, Hogg, Sinden, Morrish, Court. Subs (all used): King, Restarick, Chainey, Jeffreys, Philips, Abbot

This hurriedly arranged friendly against Margate’s second string, proved to be vital match practice for the Stones. With no game since December 28th, when they ploughed through the mud to win 5-1 at Faversham, it was a delight to be able to play on a lush green playing surface at Hartsdown Park.

Jim Ward was able to play a strong starting eleven, however, Kevin Hudson, Neil Davey and Jamie Kempster were all rested prior to Tuesday’s key Kent Senior Trophy Quarter- Final against Deal Town. The game also allowed the manager to give extended run outs to several youngsters from the reserves, which included Lee Jay Riley, Liam McCabe, Nick King, Richard Chainey, Dan Phillips and the impressive Tom Abbot.

Stones started the game like an express train and were 3-0 up within 18 minutes of the start. Paul Ribbens scored first with a great diving header at the far post, which was a direct result of good approach play and a quality cross from Aaron Lacy. Richard Sinden then added a pair of goals. A 12th minute corner from Lacy was flicked on by Paul Foley and Sinden buried the ball emphatically from 4 yards out. Within 6 minutes, Sinden had scored a fine solo goal. He ran from the centre circle and unleashed a 20 yard shot into the net.

Margate showed little in front of goal until the 35th minute. Stones failed to effectively clear a corner and allowed Keith Masey to drive home past Tony Reynolds from 15 yards. The second half substitutions altered the balance of the game somewhat and the Gate had more chances to get back into the game. Tony Reynolds was in good form and pulled off several fine saves. In the 67th minute Margate pulled back another goal through Carl Brewer’s 18 yard drive, which followed another corner that was not effectively cleared. Stones had plenty of chances to increase their lead in the second half but couldn’t quite find their scoring touch when it was required. Nonetheless, Jim Ward will be happy with this worthwhile run out for his side.