Gate Beat In-Form Rs

Gareth Anstice

In just his second game in charge of the club, Jay Saunders led Margate to their first victory in thirteen games, as his side saw off Brightlingsea Regent 1-0.

Margate had a key chance on the quarter hour mark, as debutant Noel Leighton was bundled over in the box. The striker grabbed the ball himself only to see Bradbrook dive low to his left to keep out his spot-kick.

However, the home side did take the lead just three minutes later, as Ben Swift rose highest in the box to power home Joseph Hungbo’s cross from the right.

Leighton was again denied, when he flicked one of Alex Flisher’s trademark long throws towards goal, beating Bradbrook but seeing it cleared off the line.

Flisher himself missed a chance soon after, when released down the left side of the box only to shoot narrowly over the upright.

Margate continued their dominance in the second half, only to be thwarted by Bradbrook on numerous occasions.

Firstly, he tipped over a superb dipping free-kick from Hungbo, before making a fantastic double save, denying Leighton and Daniel Kadell in quick succession.

Leighton, Kadell and Hungbo all missed chances late on but Margate comfortably held on to claim their first home win since October.

Margate: Wells, Dymond, Mills, Rogers, Friend, Swift, Hungbo, Robins, Leighton, Kadell, Flisher. Subs not used: Kallmeier, Paxman, Wratten, Ababio, Landeu.

Brightlingsea Regent: Bradbrook, Griggs, Gould, Turner, Gould, Cripps, Condon, Brothers, Hunt (Yaxley 76), Hood (Gilbert 68), Jones (Morgan 45). Subs not used: Banner, Boyland.

Attendance: 563

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