Blues Held To Draw By Merstham

Margate kicked off 2025 at home with a 1-1 draw against Merstham.

The 'Gate took the lead in the game on the 55th minute when Kai Garande scored another beautiful goal making it two in two for him!

However, two minutes before the 90' Aaron Jenkins got one back for the visitors and ensured that the game would end level.

In a bitterly cold afternoon at Hartsdown Park, Margate faced off against a staunched Merstham team who firmly resided in the top ten.

Carrying on from their win away at Herne Bay, the home side started well and were pressurising The Moatsiders early on.

But, despite the early chances, the real clear cut chances fell to the visitors.

On the 16th minute, Charlie Greenwood managed to get through one-on-one but a good save from Reece Hobbs denied him.

However, just two minutes later, Jenkins would strike the bar, a let off for Margate.

Other than that the half was a cagey affair, both teams stuck in the stalemate.

The first ten minutes of the second half was much better for The 'Gate and in the 55th minute we took the lead!

Garande, coming off the back of scoring a worldie against Herne Bay, scored again today with another wonderful effort towards the far corner, making it now two goals in two games for the left back!

Five minutes after, Ibrahim Olutade then carried this momentum as he shifted his way past defenders only for his cross to be caught by the 'keeper.

In the 68th minute, Margate thought they had doubled their lead but the linesman would rule out Lewis Knight's effort.

As the game was winding down, Merstham managed to equalise through Jenkins in the 88th minute, and the game would finish level.

Margate XI: 13. Reece Hobbs (GK), 2. Harrison Hatfull, 6. Harry Hudson (C), 8. Harvey Brand, 9. Ibrahim Olutade, 10. Ben Allen (Louie Atkins 73'), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey (Jordon Ababio 23'), 15. Gabriel Duo, and 17. Kai Garande.

Unused subs: 3. Jack Peters, 16. Tyrone Sterling, and 19. Enoch Muwonge.

MFC goalscorer: Kai Garande 55'

Margate Media Man of the Match: Kai Garande

Attendance: 373

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