By David Hansen
Margate emerged victorious in a pulsating encounter at Hartsdown Park, overcoming a dramatic Sevenoaks comeback to win 4-3 on a wild afternoon in the Isthmian South East Division.
The ‘Gate flew out of the blocks and took a deserved early lead. A low cross from the right by Harrison Hatfull was met by Kane Haysman, who expertly glanced a header into the far corner beyond a rooted Perrin in the Sevenoaks goal.
Despite a growing presence from the visitors, Margate preserved their 1-0 advantage heading into the break, looking confident and composed in possession.
That composure turned into dominance shortly after the restart. A wide free-kick from Ben Greenhalgh appeared to evade everyone in the box—until Ibrahim Olutade stretched out a leg to divert the ball past a wrong-footed Perrin, doubling Margate’s lead.
The home crowd barely had time to settle before the goal of the game—and perhaps the season so far—lit up Hartsdown Park. Centre-back Lewis Knight stepped into space 30 yards out and unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner, sending the Margate faithful into raptures.
At 3-0, the result seemed a formality. But Sevenoaks had other ideas.
They pulled one back just five minutes later, when a cross into a crowded area was inadvertently turned into his own net by Haysman under pressure.
Sensing a shift in momentum, Sevenoaks capitalised again. A long throw into the box was flicked on to the back post where substitute Josh Wisson rifled home, setting up a nervy final quarter.
The visitors completed the comeback after being awarded a controversial penalty following a challenge involving Louie Atkins. Warren Hughes-Mfula calmly converted from the spot, sending Hobbs the wrong way to level the score at 3-3.
With the game heading towards a draw, Margate dug deep—and found their moment of magic.
Debutant Kelechi Nkowcha fed Greenhalgh on the left, who cut inside and curled a stunning strike into the top corner to snatch a dramatic winner. The Manager wheeled away in delight, high-fiving teammates and fans alike as Hartsdown Park erupted.
The result maintains Margate’s impressive unbeaten run and momentum heading into their next league fixture away at Sheppey United.
Margate return to Hartsdown Park in ten days’ time as AFC Whyteleafe make the trip for what promises to be another entertaining clash.
Line-up:
Hobbs, Hatfull (Husthwaite 46’), Vint (Blackman 55’), Knight, Hudson, Haysman (Nkwocha 79’), Young, Davey, Walters (Atkins 69’), Olutade, Greenhalgh.
Subs not used: Saunders
Goals:
Haysman, Olutade, Knight, Greenhalgh
Player of the Match
Ben Greenhalgh
Attendance
408
