By Dylan Smith
On a chilly Tuesday evening, Margate hosted 2nd place Sittingbourne at Hartsdown Park in a top of the table clash. The Brickies came out of the blocks firing, going a goal up in the first five through Bagasan Graham. From then on, Margate set out to find the equalizer but were unable to find it as Sittingbourne scored twice in additional time to win 3-0. Goals from Ryan Kingsford and Ade Azeez.
Margate lined up slightly differently from their last win at Eastbourne Town, this led to a slow start. Graham was able to step forward from the backline, cut inside and score at the near post, just beating Tom Wray, giving the visitors a lead early in the match.
Following the poor start, Margate got to grips with the game, finally getting a foothold in the match. Ben Greenhalgh went closest before the break as his 50-yard effort pinged off the crossbar and went over, nearly a sensational goal from the manager. Unfortunately, The Blues couldn’t find a way through before half time.
The ‘Gate reshuffled the pack after the interval, bringing on Tom Derry to replace Sam Blackman and it seemed to have a good effect on the side. The ‘Gate started to play higher up the pitch, with the likes of Tushaun Walters pushing his full back further down the pitch regularly.
Margate thought they had an equalizer just after the 50th minute, but Harvey Brand didn’t have his best moment in a Margate shirt. A brilliant bit of buildup down the wing led to a low cross which fell to the feet of Harvey Brand. Sadly, the ball was bouncing which led to the midfielder miskicking the ball over the crossbar.
After 45 minutes of constant pressure, the away side found their second goal from a counterattack. Kingsford was rolled in down the right, he opened up his body and rifled the ball into the top corner which all but ended any chances of the ‘Gate getting back into the game.
Just before the final whistle, Azeez would make it three goals and three points for the visitors as he scored a very similar goal to his teammate, a shot across goal from the right-hand side of the box.
Margate will look to bounce back this Saturday as they host Broadbridge Heath.
Lineup: 13. Tom Wray, 5. Emmanuel Oke, 6. Harry Hudson ©, 7. Tushaun Walters, 8. Harvey Brand, 9. Ibrahim Olutade (10. Ben Allen 80’), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey (4. Max Walsh 79’), 15. Sam Blackman (19. Tom Derry 45’), 17. Kai Garande.
Unused sub(s): 2. Harrison Hatfull, 18. Louie Atkins.
Attendance: 518
Margate Media MOTM: Ben Greenhalgh
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