By Paul Meade
With no threat of the predicted high winds at Hartsdown Park on Friday evening, the scene was set for a perfect evening of football.
Margate did not start with their normal high energy levels but still managed to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Woody Pitman headed home Iman Alam’s deep corner.
The same player thought he had doubled, his and The ‘Gate’s lead two minutes later after some fine wing play and low cross from Fin Saunders found Pitman, but he was unable to convert.
The ‘Gate did score their second in the 38th minute when Pitman’s headed flick on found Bobby Hulme, whose through ball was tucked away by the supporting run of Reece Greig!
It was Hulme himself who scored a late first half third on 44 mins, as he met a crisp cross from Connor Wardle, and his left foot drive fired high into the top corner!
Again Margate did not start the second half well, and with Whitstable’s first attack of the half, Wardle was beaten on the right and the wingers 47th min shot evaded the diving Blake Page.
As little as three minutes later a deep Whitstable corner was headed home unmarked at the far post to reduce the deficit to within one goal.
The game had now become very open with Margate’s defence holding firm under increased opposition breaks in search of the equaliser.
And on 76 mins they thought they had scored but for a brilliant one handed save from Page pushing a goal bound strike around the post.
The latter part of the game however Margate took control and found some inspiration, with Kodie Bristow winning possession in the opponents half, finding Danny Martin and his quick thinking and cross enabled Iman Alam to slot into an empty net to make the final score 4-2!
Margate coach Paul Meade post match reflection.
“This was not our best performance and below the standards that have been set and expected. We lacked our normal high tempo and is two consecutive games now that we have allowed a 3-0 first half lead slip.
“Concentration and ball retention being the main issue and we will work on this in the next training session.
“One thing this squad does have is amazing depth and every player never gives up with fantastic resilience. This is why they have now gone eleven games unbeaten in all competitions and are a credit to the club.
“One last mention must go to Whitstable manager Aaron and his staff in their professional attitude again a credit to his playing philosophy and Whitstable FC.”
UP THE ‘GATE
