Blues Rescue Point With Last Gasp Equaliser

By Reece Hibbird

Both Erith Town players and supporters made the trip down to not-so-sunny Margate, for another Isthmian League encounter.

The weather conditions were certainly playing their part, with the wind and the rain swooping through Hartsdown Park.

Ben Greenhalgh looked to put the weather to the test from kick off, with a halfway line shot which took everyone by surprise by how quickly the ball travelled.

It was a first half of very few goalscoring chances, but one chance which was indeed taken, was when the ball was cleared out of the Margate box to ex-‘Gate fullback, Rossi Craig.

Craig let fly from just outside the 18-yard box, on the volley, and watched as the ball flew into the top corner. Tom Wray unable to do anything, with the wind certainly in favour of the goal scorer on this occasion.

The second half rolled around with the ‘Gate having it all to do for themselves, and Greenhalgh came close to doing so. Harrison Hatfull found Ben with a cross, but his half volley went whiskers wide of the post.

71 minutes on the board and the worst had happened. Erith doubled their lead, as Tom Wray initially made the save, however the ball got away from the goalkeeper giving James Dyer a golden opportunity to put his side 2-0 up with under 20 left to go.

It looked to be all but wrapped up for Erith, that was before Brandon Davey had his say on proceedings.

Greenhalgh lofted a ball delicately over the back line and to Davey’s feet, who beats the ‘keeper and taps it home. The comeback was on…

With the Erith ‘keeper having to be substituted, Erith town were forced to play one of the outfield players in between the sticks. Naturally this gave Margate the perfect opportunity to apply more pressure and test the makeshift ‘keeper.

90 minutes had approached, and Margate had been trying everything to break down the resolute defence of Erith, but it looked like all hope was lost…

93 minutes on the clock, and Max Walsh was found in the box from the right. He sent one defender to the burger van with a lovely feint, and then rockets the ball into the bottom corner. The ‘Gate were level!

The noise at Hartsdown Park was rocking, as the supporters tried to spur the boys on for a winner. The ball was played over the top to Ababio, who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the referee had decided enough was enough before he could get his shot away and the points were shared.

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 6. Harry Hudson ©, 7. Jordon Ababio, 8. Harvey Brand, 9. Ibrahim Olutade, 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, 16. Louie Atkins (Max Walsh 69’), and 17. Kai Garande.

Unused Subs: 10. Ben Allen, 15. Gabriel Duo, 18. Finnley Sillence, and 19. Jack Peters.

Goalscorers: Davey 73’ and Walsh 90+3’

Margate Media Player of the Match: Brandon Davey

Attendance: 357

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