Margate delivered a solid and professional performance on Friday night, securing a 2-0 victory away at Egham Town to progress to the First Qualifying Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh made several changes to his starting eleven, recalling Max Walsh to the side, while Lewis Knight returned to the heart of defence after recovering from illness. New signing Kane Haysman, who rejoined the club earlier in the day, started on the bench.
The Blues took control early on and their dominance was rewarded in the 14th minute. A precise pass from Harrison Hatfull found Greenhalgh on the right, whose pinpoint cross picked out the returning Walsh. The midfielder made no mistake, powering home a header to give Margate a deserved lead.
Just three minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Walsh was again involved, this time turning provider with a perfectly weighted pass to Ibrahim Olutade, who calmly smashed the ball into the bottom corner to put Margate firmly in command.
Egham struggled to match Margate’s intensity throughout the first half and rarely troubled the Blues’ backline. The only scare came just before the break, when a rare charge forward forced goalkeeper Tom Wray into a smart recovery after a slight fumble with his feet.
Margate almost put the game beyond doubt two minutes into the second half. Greenhalgh’s curling free-kick looked destined for the top corner, only to rattle the crossbar and bounce to safety.
Despite holding a comfortable lead, the Blues were given a warning midway through the second half. In the 66th minute, Egham created their best chance of the match, but Pataj failed to capitalise with time and space inside the box, sending his effort high over the bar.
The hosts’ hopes of a comeback were dealt a blow in the 74th minute when Dunbar-Bonnie was shown two yellow cards in quick succession—first for a strong challenge, and then for dissent—leaving Egham to finish the match with ten men.
Margate continued to press for a third, and nearly found it late on through Olutade, whose quick turn and volley in the box was brilliantly saved by the home goalkeeper. However, the earlier goals proved enough as Margate comfortably saw out the match to claim victory.
The Blues will now travel to Westfield in the First Qualifying Round on Saturday 6th September, as they look to continue their FA Trophy journey.
Match Details
Final Score: Egham Town 0–2 Margate
Goals:
- Max Walsh (14’)
- Ibrahim Olutade (17’)
Margate XI:
Wray, Hatfull, Oke, Walsh (Haysman 70’), Knight, Hudson, Blackman, Olutade (Agbebi 88’), Greenhalgh (Walters 78’), Davey, Garande (Husthwaite 86’)
Subs not used: Hobbs
Attendance: 186
