Blues Progress in Velocity Trophy

A brace from Kadell Daniel and a Noel Leighton strike was enough to progress Margate to the third round of this seasons Velocity Trophy after a 3-1 win over Wingate & Finchley.

Daniel netted in both halves and Leighton added a third 13 minutes from time which proved enough despite the hosts scoring a consolation goal two minutes from time in front of a crowd of just 44.

In what was an incredibly cold evening in North London, Margate eased into the next round with an energetic performance against a Wingate & Finchley side struggling in the Isthmian Premier Division.

It was a quick start from the ‘Gate who were once again showcasing their history kit as Jordy Robins found Noel Leighton who saw his header easily saved by the hosts keeper. Further chances from Kadell Daniel, Roman Campbell and another header from Leighton followed before Jay Saunders side took the lead in the 24 minute as Daniel poked home from Leighton’s nod from a Adem Ramadan corner to make it 1-0.

Margate created opportunities to further their advantage as Ben Swift saw a header whistle over the bar before Wingate & Finchley keeper Jake Edwards-Alley superbly denied Campbell with two fine saves to keep the score at 1-0 at the break.

It took the visitors just three minutes of the second half to double their advantage as again Leighton linked up with Daniel who rifled his low drive into the bottom corner to give the Blues an extended advantage. Daniel almost completed his hat-trick just seven minutes later but he was again denied by Edwards-Alley as Margate looked to add a gloss to their evenings work.

Some Wingate pressure in the second half never really troubled Joe Tupper as he made some routine saves to maintain Margate’s two goal advantage until the 77th minute when Leighton netted a well-deserved goal for himself to round off an almost perfect evening for the ‘Gate.

The hosts were reduced to ten men shortly after as Alieu Njie was sent off for a second yellow card and the hosts did reduce the arrears in the 88th minute as Charlie Ruff slotted home from a scramble in the box, otherwise it was a pleasant evening for the Blues and their travelling fans.

Margate: Tupper, Abnett, Sessegnon, Robins, Johnson, Swift, Ramadan, Lamb, Campbell, Daniel, Leighton

Subs: Kallmeier, Prestedge, Reeves, Porter

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