Gate Pick Up Point Against Regent

By Tom Morris

The BetVictor Isthmian Premier League got under way this afternoon as Brightlingsea Regent made the long trip down to Hartsdown Park. 418 supporters witnessed an interesting goalless draw, as neither team could fashion a goal scoring effort in what proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Gate’s players and supporters.

The Gate almost got off to the perfect start as Jack Richards swung a free kick in from the left and after a mini game of ping-pong in the box the ball fell to Ben Swift, but he failed to connect and missed the target. In the 8th minute Margate had what would prove to be our best chance of the game when Kadell Daniel was released down the right channel, bamboozled two defenders and drew a smart save from Turner in the Brightlingsea goal. 

Apart from a wind assisted long ball and a few deep throw ins there were little chances of note for the remainder of the first half until the 43rd minute when a typically industrious run from Leighton, fed Kadell inside the box but his cross was too strong for Richards and Ramadan in the centre of the box, and after 2 minutes of injury time referee James Simpson brought an end to the first half.

The second half started much like the first with a few half chances and a succession of corners for both teams, but neither could fashion a clear goalscoring opportunity. In the 65th minutes Kadell Daniel nearly won it for the Gate with a great piece of skill to open a shooting chance but saw his effort graze the post and drift wide.  

Both sides made changes as Jeffrey and Berkane replaced Ramadan and Hampson but as the wind continued to swirl around HDP, Kadell, Noel and James found their shots failed to hit the target or were blocked by Turner in the visitor’s goal. Half a shout for a penalty after a collision between Turner and Jeffery was turned down in the 90th minute and after four were added on for injury the ref blew for full time with the scores 0-0.

Margate Starting line-up: Miles, Sessegnon, Porter, Pont, Johnson, Swift ©, Daniel, Robins, Leighton, Richards, Ramadan

Margate Subs: Holloway, Ashley, Ababio, Jeffrey (replaced Ramadan 74’) Hatfull 

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