Blues Cruise To DFDS Kent Senior Cup Semi-Final

Margate cruised into the last four of the DFDS Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night with a 3-0 win at Hartsdown Park over Cray Valley (PM).

Manager Reece Prestedge made six changes to the side with Harrison Hatfull came back into the side, handing starts to Academy and U18 players Jake McCarthy, Rory Sutcliffe and Henry Young, whilst Harvey Smith was given the opportunity to lead the line in place of Phil Roberts.

In a relatively dull start to the game in misty conditions at Hartsdown Park, it was Smith that had the first chance as he saw his effort comfortably saved by Bennett in the Cray Valley goal.

The visitors had to wait until the 35th minute for their first real chance as they streamed forward, only for some last ditch defending enough to prevent the away side from taking the lead.

In the 44th minute the game sparked into life as Taylor Fisher chipped in with his contribution for goal of the season contender after picking up the ball in the Margate box and running the full length of the pitch, weaving in and out of tackles before rolling the ball home to the amazement of all in the stadium.

Prestedge introduced James Bessey-Saldanha on the hour mark in place of the fantastic Young, and the sub didn’t have to wait long to join in on the action as Fisher again charging forward rolled the ball to Bessey-Saldanha who composed himself before firing the Blues into a 2-0 lead.

Margate secured their place in the last four with ten minutes to play as a delicious Ben Greenhalgh cross was perfect for Fisher who doubled his tally for the evening to make it 3-0.

With the win confirmed, Margate played the ball around for the last ten minutes, limiting the visitors to very few opportunities on what was a fantastic evening for the ‘Gate.

MARGATE Xl: Jinadu, Hatfull, Fisher, Hudson, Cole (Adams 81’), Smith, Young (Bessey-Saldanha 63’), Ojemen, McCarthy, Sutcliffe (Greenhalgh 72’), Knott

Subs not used: Marsh, Jobe

Margate Goalscorer’s

Taylor Fisher 44’

James Bessey-Saldanha 64’

Taylor Fisher 80’

Margate Man of the Match

Taylor Fisher

Attendance

180

More news