Margate delivered a determined performance to earn a valuable point in an entertaining goalless draw away to high-flying Faversham Town on Tuesday night.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh was able to bolster his injury-hit squad with the same-day signing of experienced defender Ronnie Vint, who slotted straight into the starting XI. The ‘Gate were still without several key players, including Kai Garande, Emmanuel Oke, Max Walsh, Kieron Agbebi, and Tom Derry. Louie Atkins returned to the bench following a spell on the sidelines, while two Dartford Academy players were also named among the substitutes to provide cover.
The visitors started brightly, with Greenhalgh making early inroads down the left flank to win a succession of corners. Kane Haysman came closest in the opening exchanges, cutting inside and forcing a superb save from the Faversham goalkeeper with a powerful strike.
Faversham responded in the 6th minute when Tommie Fagg’s header clipped the top of the crossbar, a sign of the hosts’ attacking threat. Fagg remained lively throughout the first half, dragging another effort wide before Margate regained momentum. TT Walters, Ibrahim Olutade, and Brandon Davey all had half chances as Margate pushed forward with purpose.
Faversham came inches from taking the lead when Fagg unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar, but the teams went into the interval level.
The second half began at a slower tempo, with both sides struggling to carve out clear opportunities. Margate moved the ball well, patiently probing the home side’s defence. In the 68th minute, a perfectly weighted through ball nearly released Davey, only for the Faversham goalkeeper to react quickly and clear the danger.
The match took a turn in Margate’s favour in the 70th minute when Faversham defender Matt Newman was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Greenhalgh, giving the visitors a man advantage for the remainder of the match.
Walters went close again with a fierce 20-yard drive that was palmed away, and Hatfull couldn’t capitalise on the rebound. In the closing minutes, Margate continued to press for a winner. Greenhalgh himself unleashed a brilliant long-range strike that seemed destined for the net, before Harry Hudson’s thunderous effort was deflected wide for a corner.
Despite late pressure, Margate were unable to find a breakthrough and had to settle for a well-earned point on the road.
Next Up
We return to action this Saturday at Hartsdown Park as we welcome Sevenoaks Town.
Kick-off: 3pm.
Margate Starting XI:
Wray, Hatfull, Vint, Knight, Hudson, Walters, Olutade, Davey, Haysman, Young, Greenhalgh
Subs (not used): Hobbs, Atkins, Husthwaite, Isufi, Nkwocha
Attendance
468
