A Point A Piece At Hartsdown Park

By Josh Cole

A point a piece for The ‘Gate and The Hillians at Hartsdown Park in a tense affair.

Before the game, we remembered those who gave their lives in wars around the world with a playing of the last post and a two-minute silence which was impeccably served.

Margate would find an opener in the 71st minute through Ibrahim Olutade. The corner was dealt with but the following scramble in the box saw Ibz pounce and finish!

Burgess Hill would reply 17 minutes later after Hamish Morrison stood up a beautiful cross which Alex Brewer thumped home for the equaliser.

With the two teams sat in playoff places, Margate was set for an exciting fixture, but it turned out to be a slow burner.

A half chance came for The ‘Gate in the 8th minute when Olutade took a shot but it was saved by Slav Huk.

Chris Whelpdale would have Burgess’ first real chance of the game in the 15th minute, but Tom Wray easily saved it.

Just past the half hour mark, The ‘Gate started to open the game up with Olutade and Max Walsh taking shots but to prevail.

Going into halftime goalless, The Blues needed some magic to spark the game into life.

In the 54th minute Walsh strikes low and hard, but he watches it cannon off the post and away from danger.

Margate continued to probe and patiently wait for opportunities and in the 71st minute, one came…

Olutade found himself in the box, and the goalmouth scramble presented the striker with the chance to open the scoring, and he took it, continuing his fine form in front of goal!

Corners came and went for both sides and the next big chance fell to Ben Greenhalgh as he fizzed a shot wide of the top corner.

In the 88th minute however, The ‘Gate’s solid work would be undone by a brilliant Morrison cross which was exquisitely finished by Brewer.

Despite five minutes of added time, the home side couldn’t find a winner and will have to settle for a point against good opposition.

In terms of the table, Margate stay in 4th and Burgess stay in 5th.

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 4. Max Walsh, 6. Harry Hudson ©, 7. Jordon Ababio (Louie Atkins 85’), 8. Harvey Brand, 9. Ibrahim Olutade, 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, and 20. Emmanuel Oke.

Goalscorer: Ibrahim Olutade 71’

Margate Media Man of the Match: Brandon Davey

Attendance: 427

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