Gate Defeat Salisbury In The Cup

Tom Morris

Margate made the long trip to Wiltshire and came away with a resounding win and our name in the hat for Monday’s fourth round draw.

The game started at a frantic pace, stand in skipper Reece Prestedge played Elliott Reeves in after only 1 minute but his shot from a tight angle was well saved by Benfield. Salisbury had their first chance of the afternoon 2 minutes later as Fitchett drew a smart save from Tupper after decent build up play from our hosts.

As both teams settled into the match Salisbury started to dominate possession but the ‘Gate looked dangerous on the counter and at the back the new pairing on Johnson and Essuman were thwarting any danger. On 21minutes Johnson played a quick ball out from the back that Daniel controlled and drove towards the Salisbury box, he skipped past his marker but slipped and the ball was cleared downfield. 2 minutes later, Daniel had atoned for his slip and the ‘Gate lead 1-0 as he brought down a lose ball and unleased an unstoppable half volley past the keeper from 30 yards with the outside of his boot, what a goal it was to break the deadlock, que rapturous celebrations from the travelling ‘Gate supporters and a customary salute from Kad’s.

Julien Anua went down injured in the 25th minute and was replaced by Jack Richards, Leighton and Porter picked up yellow cards as Salisbury attempted to establish themselves in the game with a succession of corners but each time the Margate defence held firm. In the 35th minute we almost had a second goal to cheer as the impressive Reeves collected the ball from Leighton and fired an early shot across goal that smacked against the upright with the keeper well beaten.

The second half started in calamitous fashion for our hosts as defender Oseni played a blind pass back to his keeper Benfield who was still adjusting his laces and didn’t react as the ball passed him and went over the line! 2-0 without a Margate player touching the ball.

The players sensed Salisbury were struggling and pressed forward, Jack Richards fizzed a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards before Elliott Reeves marauding run down the left found Noel Leighton in acres of space in the box and with the help of a little deflection he beat the keep at his near post, 3-0 Margate and still 35 minutes to play. Three nil soon became 3-1 when Benson fired a free kick from the left into the danger area, it beat everyone and found its way into the far side of Tupper’s net.

The ‘Gate supporters were still in good voice and they didn’t have to wait long for something else to shout about as Noel Leighton grabbed his second goal in the 64th minute. Richards fed him a cross field pass 30 yards from goal and with the help of another little deflection Noel’s powerful drive beat the keeper and nestled into the corner of the goal, 4-1 Margate.

Jay made a couple of changes as Sessegnon and Oyenuga replaced Abnett and Leighton as the ‘Gate looked to see out the remaining 20 minutes, our hosts were still pushing forward and their were half chances for Daniel and Oyenuga on the break but the only significant action came in the 89th minutes as Hippolyte-Patrick tapped home a consolation goal from a good cross from the right hand touchline.

After 5 slightly nervy minutes of added time the full-time whistle blew the ‘Gate will be in Mondays draw for the 4th Qualifying Rd of the Emirates FA Cup.

Margate: Tupper, Abnett (Sessegnon 59), Porter, Prestedge ©, Johnson, Essuman, Ramadan, Anua (Richards 28), Reeves, Leighton (Oyenuga 70), Daniel

Subs: Holloway, Hatfull, Jeffrey

Margate return to BetVictor Isthmian Premier League action on Tuesday night as we welcome Leatherhead to Hartsdown Park, KO 19:45

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