By David Hansen
Margate Women showed real grit and determination to claim a hard-fought point against a strong Cray Wanderers side in the late afternoon Autumnal sunshine at Hartsdown Park. A Player of the Match performance from goalkeeper Suzie Urban and a superb lobbed finish from Emily Hall secured a 1-1 draw in a dramatic encounter.
Having suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Cray earlier in the season, Margate went into the game determined to show their improvement – and they did just that.
Margate started brightly, moving the ball well and looking dangerous through forwards Michaela Beach and Emily Hall. Beach created the first real opening ten minutes in, working space on the edge of the area before curling an effort into the hands of Cray goalkeeper Jess Cox.
The ‘Gate continued to press, with Shannon King impressing down the right flank. King dispossessed Ellie Cole before delivering an inviting cross which Hall glanced just wide.
Cray eventually grew into the game, winning second balls and asking questions of the Margate defence. However, Urban was equal to everything that came her way, showing great composure to keep the visitors at bay. The final stages of the first half saw Cray push hard, but strong defending from Nicole Adams and Izzy Murphy ensured Margate went into the break level as the floodlights took full effect.
The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart when Cray were awarded a penalty after Adams was adjudged to have fouled on the edge of the box. Millie Main converted from the spot, finally beating the outstanding Urban.
Margate’s response was immediate. A clever ball forward from Anna Butova sent Hall racing clear, and the striker showed great composure to lob the advancing Cox and level the scores.
With both sides tiring, the match became stretched, producing chances at either end. Cray came close through Maddie Bone, but she was unable to convert from close range, while Urban continued to frustrate the visitors with a string of fine saves.
The game’s decisive moment came late on when Cray were awarded a second penalty after Adams was penalised inside the box. This time, captain Emily Simmonds stepped up, but Urban pulled off a superb save low to her left to preserve Margate’s point and underline her Player of the Match performance.
After a lengthy spell of added time, the referee’s whistle confirmed a fully deserved draw for Margate, who showed determination, resilience, and moments of real quality.
The team will look to build on this result when they return to Hartsdown Park next Sunday to take on Glebe in league action.
Line-up:
Urban, King, Murphy, Farmery, A. Beach, Miller, M. Beach, Niblett, Hall, Knell, Adams.
Substitutes:
Greetham, Luby, Butova, Ribas, Mann.
Goal:
Emily Hall
