Kent Intermediate Cup final: Margate under-23s 2 Rusthall Reserves 0

Margate under-23s relied upon the woodwork before they took control of their Kent Intermediate Cup final against Rusthall Reserves at Hartsdown Park on Wednesday.

Rusthall twice went close towards the end of the first half through George Montgomery and Michael Tubb but Margate led at half-time as striker Shaun Nketiah converted a penalty.

After the restart, Rusthall went in search of a leveller, however Margate’s defence held firm and Mitch Harman found the bottom corner on the counter-attack to seal the win.

Margate manager Paul Lamb said: “The boys work really hard.

“It wasn’t the fluid performance that we wanted but the boys kept their shape well, they worked within their shape well, and we’re such a young side coming up against a big, physical team.

“So that was a good test for them and they came through it really well.”

The only chance in a cagey start to the game saw Rusthall’s Chris Ells do well to track the run of Ellis Codd as the Margate player tried to sneak in at the back post with four minutes played.

Nine minutes later, both sides created an opportunity apiece, with the final beginning to liven up.

Impressive Gate skipper Josh Oliver crossed from the right after a fine run, although Rusthall cleared their line and went close themselves at the other end. A left-wing cross fell kindly to winger Ryan Hinkson but he missed the target.

Margate goalkeeper Tom Paris was forced into his first action in the 18th minute, easily gathering a speculative shot from Rusthall captain Kane Ramsell.

On 26 minutes, Rusthall threatened from a free-kick before Margate cleared their lines and Jack Miller lifted a Sam Belsey lay-off over the bar at the other end.

Adam James almost mustered a goal out of nothing for Rusthall on