'Gate See Off Steyning To Go Third

By David Hansen

With Christmas just round the corner, Margate welcomed the supporters with an early Christmas present with 3 points at Hartsdown Park after a solid 2-0 victory up against West Sussex outfit Steyning Town Community.

This game was our first home game in nearly a month, 'Gate supporters would have wanted to see a fast start, and a fast start they got. The ’Gate netted twice within three minutes of each other.

The first coming from a cross on the right side from Jordon Ababio, which after an attempted bicycle fell to the feet of our number ten, Ben Allen, who smashed his shot past Stroomberg-Clarke to give The 'Gate an early lead after a rapid start to the game.

Only three minutes later the lead was doubled as a well flighted cross found the head of a leaping Ibrahim Olutade who’s header smashed the underside of the crossbar before finding the net, a deserved lead after a great start.

Steyning Town Community started to grow into the match towards the backend of the 1st half, with striker Harry Shooman creating a couple of half chances which didn’t really test keeper Tom Wray. Margate with a deserved lead at the break.

Moving into the 2nd half the game became more disjointed with many stoppages and many times the physio coming on to tend to injuries. The best chance of the half for Margate fell to Lewis Knight with a volley at the far post following a corner which went just over the bar.

A bit of game management from Margate led to Steyning Town creating some more chances with many Margate players putting their bodies on the line to block the incoming efforts from the visitors attacks.

Margate saw the game out following eight added minutes to extend our winning run and setting up the blockbuster Thanet Derby on Boxing Day with Ramsgate having the day off after their game against Merstham was postponed.

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 6. Harry Hudson, 7. Jordon Ababio (Ben Greenhalgh 90+3), 8. Harvey Brand, 9. Ibrahim Olutade, 10. Ben Allen (Enoch Muwonge 46’), 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, 17. Kai Garande, 18. Louie Atkins (Gabriel Duo 69’)

Subs not used: Tyrone Sterling and Jack Peters.

Margate Goalscorers:

Ben Allen 13’

Ibrahim Olutade 16’

Attendance

347

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