Margate Draw With Horsham To Set Up Replay

By Jack Waters

Margate were held at home to a draw, forcing The ‘Gate to travel to Horsham on Tuesday night for a replay.

From a thrilling win in the Thanet Derby last Tuesday, Margate made five changes ahead of another huge encounter in the FA Cup third qualifying round against Horsham.

Margate started the game on the front foot with striker Ibrahim Olutade having the first big chance of the game in the 5th minute. Kai Garande set Olutade up, but Horsham’s keeper denied the hosts the opener with a big save.

Horsham grew into the game gradually, having several half chances, with the Gate’s defence holding strong.

Margate continued their strong half, and in the 41st minute, Ben Greenhalgh’s free-kick was whipped in beautifully at the back-post, with Olutade’s deft touch forcing it over the line ensuring the Blues went in ahead at the break.

Dominic di Poala’s side came out from the break on the front foot, and a Tom Wray dramatic save denied Horsham in the 54th minute.

Margate defended strongly using the counter attacking style to try and kill off the Hornets.

Another Greenhalgh free kick threatened Horsham’s defence, Brand’s header however, did not trouble Horsham’s number one.

Despite Margate showing strength at the back, the Hornets forward, Ola Ogunwamide, slotted home to equalise in the 71st minute.

Margate pushed to find a winner, with Jordan Ababio and Louie Atkins coming on for Lukas Franzen-Jones and James Bessey-Saldana respectively.

Going into the six minutes of added time, Harvey Brand was pulled down in the box but the home fans’ cries for a last gasp penalty were shot down and the referee waved play on.

Another opportunity deep into stoppage time presented itself when Greenhalgh won a free kick in a wide area, but nothing came of it and the ref blew his whistle.

Margate will travel to Horsham for the replay on Tuesday the 1st of October, with a 7:45pm kick-off time.

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 4. Harvey Brand, 6. Harry Hudson (C), 9. Lukas Franzen-Jones (Jordan Ababio 78’), 10. Ibrahim Olutade, 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, 17. Kai Garande, 18. James Bessey-Saldana (Louie Atkins 83’).

Goalscorer: Ibrahim Olutade 41’

Margate Media Man of the Match: Ibrahim Olutade

Attendance: 582

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