'Gate Reach DFDS Kent Senior Cup Final

Margate secured their spot in the 2022/23 DFDS Kent Senior Cup final with a comfortable 3-1 win over Thanet rivals Ramsgate on Tuesday night.

Manager Reece Prestedge introduced Harvey Smith to the starting eleven up front with Ben Greenhalgh, as the Blues looked to reach the showpiece final at Priestfield on Wednesday 3rd May 2023.

With nearly 1500 spectators crammed into Hartsdown Park the game started at a frantic pace with Greenhalgh having an early chance, shortly before Daniel Jinadu was called into action. With nine minutes on the clock the game was swung in Margate’s favour as former Blues striker Kane Rowland was sent off for what appeared to be an elbow to the face of Sinn’Kaye Christie.

Despite being down to ten, Ramsgate looked the better side in the early stages with Tijan Jadama forcing a good save from Jinadu. Margate began to get into the game and forced several corners, however Ramsgate remained resolute to repel any Margate attacks.

Margate did eventually break the deadlock on 26 minutes as Greenhalgh linked up with Nathan Wood who played the ball back to Greenhalgh who superbly curled an effort into the top corner.

With the man advantage and a 1-0 lead Margate continued to pepper Ramsgate with some corners, however the visitors were dealing with them and forcing some chances for themselves as the game hung in the balance heading towards the half-time break.

Two minutes before the break, Margate extended their advantage as Freddy Barton won the ball high up the field before releasing to Yaser Kasim who calmly fired the ball home to give the Blues a 2-0 advantage at half-time.

Margate started the second half in much the same fashion as they extended their lead to 3-0 in the 47th minute as a cross fell to Harvey Smith who volleyed home wonderfully to all but secure Margate’s place in the final with still 40 minutes to play.

Rowan Libburd looked the most dangerous for the Rams as he saw a low shot go narrowly wide as Ramsgate looked to get back into the game. With Ramsgate looking to force their way back in, it opened the game up and Margate almost went 4-0 up as Smith looked certain to score, only to be denied by a fantastic save from Josh Bexon.

Margate continued to pressure the visitors as Wood rounded Bexon only to see his goalward effort blocked for a corner which was swung in by Greenhalgh which hit the post as Margate continued to look to add to their advantage.

Despite their best efforts to add a fourth, it was Ramsgate who reduced the arrears in the 83rd minute as Jadama rose highest at the back post to nod home to give the Rams a lifeline.

Ramsgate forced another couple of chances, however Margate withheld any further pressure to set up a date with Chatham Town at Priestfield Stadium.

MARGATE Xl: Jinadu, Hatfull, Kasim, Christie, Hudson, Blackman (Cole 62’), Smith, Wood (Sutcliffe 84’), Greenhalgh, Barton (Ojemen (Oke 79’).

Subs not used: Parkinson, Young

Margate Man of the Match

Ben Greenhalgh

Attendance

1,481

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