By Dylan Smith
Following a convincing win on the road last weekend, the ‘Gate came back to Hartsdown Park full of optimism. The fine attacking form would continue as the Blues would brush away the visitors Hythe Town 3-0. Goals from Tom Derry, Ibrahim Olutade and Ben Allen secured a perfect sunny afternoon for The ‘Gate.
Margate came flying out of the blocks. Ben Greenhalgh went close early on with a half volley from the edge of the area. The ball flew just wide of the post.
Greenhalgh’s onslaught continued in the opening ten minutes, as he used a couple tricky flicks to beat two defenders, but his following shot would be denied brilliantly by the Hythe ‘keeper.
From there on, a bombardment of free kicks ensued. Efforts from Tushaun Walters and Olutade went very close to breaking the deadlock, but Charlie Wealands stood firm in between the visitors sticks.
The ‘Gate would go inches away from scoring again in the 26th but Derry was unable to get his head to Hatfull’s brilliant cross on the right flank.
Finally, Margate took the lead in the 32nd minute. Walters was brought down outside the area in a dangerous position following a brilliant run. Greenhalgh and Derry were able to capitalise with a brilliant ball from the gaffer, which found the inform striker lurking around the six-yard box, a brilliant diving header into the corner. That’s now two in two for our number 19.
Just before the break, Harvey Brand really should have doubled our advantage from close range. An excellent touch and low driven cross from Lewis Knight found the midfielder a yard away from goal. Unfortunately, the ball bounced off Brand’s leg awkwardly over the bar.
After the interval, the game slowed down a little bit, with neither side being able to create a vast amount of chances. The closest the ‘Gate came to doubling their league before the 60th minute was an effort from Greenhalgh. He let fly 25-yards away from goal and his shot only just cleared the crossbar.
Fortunately, just after that Olutade was able to grab a second and secure our lead. Good play for the ‘Gate led to Ibz finding space on the left-hand side of the penalty area, where he was able to tap home, a proper striker’s finish.
The day went from good to great when substitute Ben Allen finished the game off, scoring the third in the 77th minute. Allen was rolled in behind, left one-on-one with the ‘keeper. With a cultured finish, he was able to secure the win and the three points.
The final 15 minutes were a formality, leading to the game seeing the 16th clean sheet of the season for the defence!
Margate travel to the form team of the division, Sevenoaks Town as they look to all but mathematically confirm their playoff place.
Margate XI: 13. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 6. Harry Hudson ©, 7. Tushaun Walters (4. Max Walsh 70’), 9. Ibrahim Olutade (10. Ben Allen 77’), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight (5. Emmanuel Oke 84’), 14. Brandon Davey (15. Fyn Rutherford 84’), 8. Harvey Brand, 17. Kai Garande, 19. Tom Derry (18. Louie Atkins 78’).
Attendance: 508
Margate Media MOTM: Ibrahim Olutade
MFC Goalscorers: Tom Derry 32′ Ibrahim Olutade 62′ & Ben Allen 80′
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