By David Hansen
Margate picked up their first victory of the league campaign on Saturday as they overcome VCD Athletic 2-1 at Hartsdown Park thanks to goals from Ibrahim Olutade and returning Henry Young.
The visitors started brighter, enjoying possession and testing Margate’s defensive shape. However, they failed to create any clear-cut chances.
Margate broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. TT Walters made a powerful run down the right flank and was brought down in the box by VCD captain Ben Fitchett.
Ibrahim Olutade stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner. Visiting goalkeeper Andrew Walker got a glove to it, but the ball ricocheted off the post and in to give Margate a 1–0 lead at the break.
The second half began at a much higher tempo, with both sides leaving more space in behind. Margate capitalised in the 50th minute, as Max Walsh delivered a low cut-back across the area, which was met by the arriving Henry Young. The returning midfielder smashed the ball into the roof of the net to double the home side’s advantage.
However, VCD responded quickly. Just three minutes later, a high free-kick into the Margate box, and Wray was unable to gather cleanly under pressure. Former Margate player Sinnkaye Christie was on hand to poke home from close range, halving the deficit.
Margate then set about managing the game. Harry Hudson and Lewis Knight were instrumental at the back, cutting out several VCD attacks. The visitors enjoyed more of the ball in the closing stages, but Margate held firm, limiting them to speculative crosses and half-chances.
In added time, Margate successfully slowed the pace and kept the ball in VCD territory. A late injury to Tom Derry led to the introduction of U23’s star Finn Saunders.
We now turn our attention to Tuesday night’s trip to Faversham Town, followed by a home clash against Sevenoaks Town next weekend.
Lineup:
Wray, Hatfull, Walsh (Greenhalgh 59’), Knight, Hudson, Walters, Olutade (Derry 80) (Saunders 90’), Husthwaite, Davey, Haysman, Young
Subs not used: Greig, Hobbs
Margate Scorer’s
Ibrahim Olutade 40’
Henry Young 50’
Attendance
515
