Bowers & Pitsea | 03.01.22

Margate continue form with away win|03.01.22

Match report

On Monday The Blues travelled to face Bowes & Pitsea FC for their first away match of 2022 in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

The first few minutes were end to end as each side tried to establish control of the game. Margate broke with the first attack in the 2nd minute with a cross from Ben Greenhalgh low into the box but the keeper just collected it.

The hosts broke on the encounter attack in the 4th minute. Daniel Trendall broke towards Margate's goal and after a one two with Quentin Monville he slotted the ball past Ben Bridle-Card.

Bows & Pitsea 1-0 Margate.

The Blues started to take control of the game after conceding and they pushed harder on the attack. Margate had a great chance in the 9th minute when Montel Agyemang took a quick free kick and knocked it to Joe Anderson down the line who crossed it low into the box. Crossley Lema ran onto the end of the ball but with his outstretched leg could only put it over the bar.

Margate continued to keep the hosts under pressure. In the 19th minute Margate came close again when Martial Godos cross was chested down by Vance Bola for Sam Blackman to strike but his shot was deflected over the bar.

The Blues capitalised on their control of the game in the 22nd minute. Greenhalgh took the ball down the right wing and crossed it over to the back post right to where Bola had made his run, Bola calmly collected the ball and slotted it home.

Bowers & Pitsea 1-1 Margate.

Margate continued to control the pace of the game holding onto the ball and using their possession to create chances. The Blues had another great chance in the 38th minute when Greenhalgh curled the ball into the box from a corner, Ben Swift got his head to the cross but just placed it over the bar.

The teams were tied going into halftime after a spell of Margate possession and control.

The second half kicked off and The Blues were on the front foot right away trying to keep the momentum up and smother the hosts. In the 53rd minute Margate took the lead when Bola won a free kick on the edge of the box. Greenhalgh stepped up and curled his shot over the wall and into the net. Two free kick goals in two games for Greenhalgh and he gave his side the lead.

Bowers & Pitsea 1-2 Margate.

The Blues continued to threaten the hosts goal and they had a great chance in the 59th minute after some fantastic team play from Sam Blackman, Greenhalgh and Bola  receiving the ball and taking the shot but he just hit it wide. Margate continued to look deadly on the attack but couldn't quite get the third goal and consolidate their lead.

In the 73rd minute the hosts equalised after a long ball fell to Trandell who was running down the line, he crossed it back across the goal where Sach was waiting to hit it home and level the scores.

Bowers & Pitsea 2-2 Margate.

A late equaliser from the hosts and it was all to play for as Margate continued to be a threat on the attack but the hosts were utilising the counter to try to gain the upper hand. Margate had a close chance in the 83rd when Greenhalgh crossed it in to Bola but his header was blocked by a defender. Another close chance came from Greenhalgh in the 87th minute when he stormed up the pitch from his own half and slotted it through to Bola in the opposition box but his shot was just wide.

The game was to be decided in added time and the teams had four minutes to battle it out for the win. The Blues struck first and were rewarded for their constant pressure. Greenhalgh took the ball down the left wing and his cross fell to Daniel Thompson who headed it home.

Bowers & Pitsea 2-3 Margate.

In a last defiant attempt to take something from the game the hosts lined up all 10 players on the halfway line for kick off. Margate were prepared for the onslaught as the keeper received the ball from the center and punted it forward. Ben Swift was first to the ball and cleared it to Greenhalgh who ran it into the hosts area and slotted it to Thompson who tapped it home.

Bowers & Pitsea 2-4 Margate.

What a finish for The Blues as they add to their win streak and make it three on the trot.

Margate XI: Ben Bridle-Card, Crossley Lema, Joe Anderson, Montel Agyemang, Lewis Knight, Ben Swift(c), Martial Godo, Sam Blackman, James Bessey-Saldanha, Vance Bola, Ben Greenhalgh.

Subs: Reece Prestedge, Fyn Rutherford, Jack Richards, Harrison Hatfull, Daniel Thompson(80’).

Goal scorers: Vance Bola(22'), Greenhalgh(53'), Dan Thompson(90+4', 90+5').

By Tommy Park

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