'Gate Cruise To Victory On Home Soil

By Jack Waters

Ben Greenhalgh scored a brace as Margate beat Three Bridges comfortably to push Margate up to fifth in the Isthmian South-East Division.

Margate started the game on the front foot and the first big decision in the 10th minute went against the Blues, when Ibrahim Olutade’s tap in was ruled out for offside, a decision that did not go down well with the home players and fans at all.

The ‘Gate carried on with great momentum with two Ben Greenhalgh’s efforts within two minutes flying just over the bar.

In the 29th minute, new signing Max Walsh kept the Three Bridges ‘keeper busy, with a fine save from the youngster, Naythan Bryson to deny the new Margate midfielder. Jordan Ababio’s low and hard strike which was also kept out by keeper Bryson.

Margate kept knocking on the door, with Max Walsh having his second effort of the game saved, with Three Bridges hanging on, and the ‘keeper having a fine display on the first half.

With all Margate’s pressure, Ben Greenhalgh found himself inside the penalty area, breezed past a defender, and finished in injury time of the first half. A perfect end of the first half dominated by the home side.

Margate came out for the second half, knocking for the second goal, with Ben Greenhalgh’s shot and Kai Garande dangerous cross early in the second half.

Despite Tom Wray’s quiet first half, he had to be called into action on the hour mark, with a fantastic point blank save to deny the away side getting an equaliser.

Down the other end, Ben Greenhalgh’s brilliant work on the wing, and a dangerous looking cross, finding Harvey Brand, but the midfielder couldn’t convert his header, and the ball went just wide of the far post.

Again, with all Margate’s pressure, it finally paid off. Greenhalgh’s powerful strike from close range, nothing Bryson could do this time.

Coming to the end of the game, the defenders kept winning the ball back, and fighting for every ball, with skipper Harry Hudson leading the back line beautifully.

In the 89th minute, Louie Atkins went on a “Messi-like” run, beating several defenders, with a beautiful set for Greenhalgh for his hat-trick, but Ben couldn’t find his finish this time.

A well-earned win for the Blues, a comfortable performance of home soil and it lifts The ‘Gate into the top five! We are back at home again on Saturday against AFC Croydon. Pick up your tickets for that game by clicking here.

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 4. Harvey Brand, 5. Tyrone Sterling, 6. Harry Hudson (C), 7. Jordan Ababio (James Bessey-Saldana 78’), 9. Ibrahim Olutade (Louie Atkins 78’), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 14. Brandon Davey, 17. Kai Garnade, and 18. Max Walsh (Gabriel Duo 87’).

Goalscorer: Ben Greenhalgh 45+1’ and 70’.

Margate Media Man of the Match: Ben Greenhalgh

Attendance: 263

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