Blues Win On Derby Day In KSC First Round

By Dylan Smith

The Thanet derby rarely fails to deliver, it was no different on this occasion as nearly 2000 fans packed themselves into the WWMartin Community Stadium, to watch Margate overcome the Rams, in the dying embers of the game.

A goal from Ibrahim Olutade and two brilliant penalty saves from Tom Wray was enough to send the ‘Gate through to the next round of the Kent Senior Cup!

Margate came out of the blocks well, winning a lot of free kicks and corners in the opening outings. However, Ramsgate were able to defend resolutely and have a couple glimpses of goal for themselves, leaving the game very open.

It would take till the 20th minute for a side to have a clear chance at net. Jordon Ababio darted down the right wing, beating his opposing full back with ease. He fired a brilliant low cross to James Bessey-Saldana who had a shot from point blank range, but the Rams ‘keeper got down to make a great save.

Margate would go on to take control of the first half, with Kai Garande having the next real effort at goal. He skipped past two players and fired a hard effort at the ‘keeper, who parried the ball wide to keep the scores level.

Going into the break, Bessey-Saldana had another effort from distance that flew over and the Blues managed to pick up a few corners before the half-time whistle. Even though it was 0-0 at the interval, Greenhalgh went in the happier of the two with Margate frustrating the Rams, limiting them to minimal chances in front of goal.

Unfortunately, the second half did not start well for the ‘Gate as they conceded a penalty almost instantly. Garande pulled Tijan Jadama to the ground in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to give a penalty to the home side. Tom Wray would step up and be the ‘Gate’s hero after saving Joe Taylor’s tame effort from the spot.

Despite the penalty miss, the Rams came out to play in the second half, which left Wray needing to save countless efforts on the Margate net, point blank or acrobatic, he stood up the task.

This onslaught from Ramsgate went on for the majority of the half, with the Margate defence clearing at every opportunity and Wray doing brilliantly to keep the ball out of the net. His most noteworthy save came against Taylor, who was looking to make up for his penalty blunder earlier in the half. He fired low and at the corner, but Wray would not be beaten.

In the 90th minute, Olutade would send the travelling ‘Gate fans into raptures, as he was brought down in the area following a cross into the six-yard box from Ababio. Olutade went on to comfortably slot the penalty into the net, even with the pressure of thousands on his back, it was glory for the Blue side of Thanet.

Just as it looked like the dust was going to settle down, with Margate taking a famous victory, the team was hit with heartbreak. Following a late corner, a Ramsgate player went down softly, but the ref would point to the spot again, giving the Rams one last chance spot kick to send the tie to penalties. Taylor took, trying to right his missed one earlier in the half, but the hero between the sticks would not be beaten. Taylor sent his penalty the same way and Wray was there to deny him again, securing the win and a Player of the Match performance!

Margate host Horsham on Saturday 28th, as the lads look to progress further in the FA Cup!

Margate XI: 1. Tomas Wray, 3. Ross Craig, 5. Tyrone Sterling (Harry Hudson 46’), 7. Jordon Ababio, 9. Lukas Franzen-Jones (Ibrahim Olutade 63’), 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, 15. Gabriel Duo (Ben Greenhalgh 64’), 16. Louie Atkins (Harvey Brand 64’),17. Kai Garande, 18. James Bessey-Saldanha.

Goalscorer: Ibrahim Olutade 90' (pen)

Margate Media Player of the Match – Tom Wray

Attendance – 1800 *roughly*

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