Margate cemented their place in the Isthmian South-East Division play-offs with a superb 4-2 away win at Eastbourne Town on Saturday.
Returning midfielder Sam Blackman went straight into the starting eleven as the Blues looked to continue their play-off push with a further three points.
The visitors enjoyed the perfect opening 30 minutes as they raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Louie Atkins, Blackman and Ben Greenhalgh.
A Tom Vickers free kick just before half time reduced Margate’s lead at the break.
With a comfortable afternoon on the cards after 30 minutes, Margate would be looking over their shoulder for the final 30 as a James Ding effort reduced the score line to 3-2.
That fear was put to bed though with minutes remaining as another new signing, TT Walter’s raced into the box before being upended for a penalty which was duly dispatched by Ben Allen to make it 4-2 to the ‘Gate.
There was to be no further goals though as Margate secured the points ahead of their huge clash against Sittingbourne at Hartsdown Park on Tuesday night.
Margate XI: 13. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 4. Max Walsh (Tushaun Walters 72′), 9. Ibrahim Olutade (Ben Allen 82′), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, 15. Sam Blackman (Fyn Rutherford 90′), 16. Tyrone Sterling (Emmanuel Oke 67′), 17. Kai Garande, & 18. Louie Atkins (Tom Derry 72′).
Attendance: 305
MFC goalscorers: Louie Atkins 7′, Sam Blackman 10′, Ben Greenhalgh 30′, & Ben Allen 85′
UP THE ‘GATE
