By David Hansen
Margate returned to winning ways at Hartsdown Park as The ‘Gate edged out Sheppey United 3-2 in a real quality affair with an inspired performance from midfielder Harvey Brand.
It was The Ites who started the game the better with some nice quick passing and really fizzing the ball around with Margate unable to gain any real possession early.
The only true early chance was a darting run from Sheppey United captain Daniel Bradshaw, as he lifted his effort over Hobbs in goal and into the back of the net. However, Bradshaw had mistimed his run as he was met by the assistants raised flag.
Margate would punish The Ites’ missed chance as Ben Greenhalgh chipped a delicious cross to the back post for Harvey Brand to head back across goal and into the bottom corner to give Margate the lead in the 31st minute.
The second half began in the worst way possible for The ‘Gate as Sheppey managed to grab a contentious equaliser, Gil Carvalho nodded the ball into the post and across the goal for Reece Hobbs to catch, but the assistant signalled that the ball had crossed the line much to dispute from the Margate players.
The equaliser was trumped by a second Margate goal as a late arriving Max Walsh got onto the ball following a knockdown after a Harrison Hatfull throw. Walsh managed to squeeze the ball home from six-yards through several bodies blocking his path.
Club top scorer Ibrahim Olutade added to his tally for the season as following a cross which he had been dangerous from throughout the game tucked the ball home at the near post to give Margate some daylight in the contest.
With three added minutes it began to get nervy as Sheppey grabbed a late goal through Heasman as he was able to swing a boot at a bouncing ball inside the area after a corner.
That was to be the last action of the game as Margate returned to winning ways to boost their hopes of a play-off place.
Margate will now move onto to Eastbourne Town away with a win under their belts. With a crunch rematch with Sittingbourne at Hartsdown Park also on the horizon.
Margate XI: 1. Reece Hobbs, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 4. Max Walsh, 6. Harry Hudson (Tyrone Sterling 45’), 8. Harvey Brand (Fyn Rutherford 83′), 9. Ibrahim Olutade, 10. Ben Allen (Louie Atkins 69′), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, & 17. Kai Garande.
Unused Subs: 3. Jack Peters & 5. Emmanuel Oke
Margate Media Man of the Match: Harvey Brand
Attendance: 413
UP THE ‘GATE
