Margate began their 2025/26 campaign on Saturday afternoon with a 1-1 draw against league newcomers Jersey Bulls at Hartsdown Park, played out in warm Kent sunshine.
With last season’s top scorer Ibrahim Olutade absent due to personal circumstances, the ‘Gate lined up with Tom Derry leading the attack, supported by TT Walters and player-manager Ben Greenhalgh.
The opening stages were cagey as both sides settled into the new season. The visitors had the first meaningful chance when defender Luke Campbell found space in the box, but his header was dealt with.
For Margate, opportunities were limited in the first 20 minutes. Greenhalgh’s spin and shot inside the area was the home side’s only notable effort, comfortably claimed by former Blues goalkeeper Dan Jinadu.
Jersey Bulls, the brighter of the two teams early on, broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. A slick passing move released Fraser Barlow, whose low strike beat Tom Wray to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Margate almost levelled on the stroke of half-time when Greenhalgh was played through on goal. His clever chip beat Jinadu but rebounded off the post, and the hosts went into the break a goal down.
The second half began in stark contrast, with Margate starting on the front foot and equalising within three minutes of the restart. A short corner from Greenhalgh found Walters, who drove to the byline and crossed for Harry Hudson. Hudson’s cushioned header fell perfectly for Sam Blackman, who pounced at the back post to slot home.
Buoyed by the goal, Margate pushed for a winner. With 20 minutes remaining, a quickly taken free-kick launched a swift counter-attack, resulting in a goalmouth scramble that Jersey somehow managed to clear.
In the closing stages, Kieron Agbebi went close with a looping header that dropped onto the roof of the net, but neither side could find a decisive goal. The match ended honours even, with the ‘Gate showing resilience to fight back from their first-half deficit.
Margate are back in action on Tuesday evening with a short trip to face Sittingbourne, last season’s beaten play-off finalists.
Margate XI: Wray, Hatfull (Husthwaite 76’), Wells (Atkins 70’), Walsh (Davey 62’), Knight, Hudson, Walters (Agbebi 81’), Blackman, Derry, Greenhalgh, Garande.
Subs not used: Oke.
Goalscorer: Sam Blackman (48’)
Attendance: 403
