Margate produced a dramatic late turnaround on Saturday afternoon in East Sussex, scoring twice in the final moments to claim their first away league victory of the 2025/26 season.
With Manager Ben Greenhalgh absent due to family commitments, the ‘Gate were boosted by the return of Ibrahim Olutade to the starting XI, while Lewis Knight and Kieron Agbebi were named on the bench after their own spells out of action.
On a crisp autumn afternoon in Eastbourne, both sides enjoyed a competitive opening fifteen minutes, with Margate looking composed in possession as they sought an early breakthrough.
Despite a bright start, the visitors fell behind in the 20th minute when a cross into the box was turned home by Aaron Capon, giving the hosts the lead.
Falling behind seemed to spark the ‘Gate into life. Kane Haysman went close with a header from a corner, while Margate continued to press forward without reward. Although they controlled much of the ball, they lacked cutting edge in the final third and were nearly punished just before the hour when Tom Wray was called into action, pushing away a dangerous effort before confidently claiming the resulting corner.
In the 62nd minute, Margate fans were given a lift as Kieron Agbebi made his long-awaited return from injury — his first appearance since August. His introduction added renewed energy, with the visitors moving the ball with greater purpose and intent.
The game took a major twist in the 82nd minute when Eastbourne substitute Eliot Jenks was shown a straight red card for a high challenge, leaving the home side down to ten men.
Margate wasted no time making their advantage count. Just moments later, the returning Agbebi turned the ball home to level the scores and set up a thrilling finale.
With momentum firmly in their favour, the visitors pushed for a winner — and it arrived in sensational style in the third minute of stoppage time. A loose ball dropped in the area, and Max Walsh, after a quick glance over his shoulder, produced a stunning overhead kick that flew past the stranded goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Margate saw out the remaining minutes of added time to seal a 2–1 victory — a result that lifts them up to seventh in the table ahead of Tuesday night’s Kent Derby at home to Faversham Town.
Match Details
Final Score: Eastbourne Town 1–2 Margate
Goals:
- Kieron Agbebi (85’)
- Max Walsh (90+3’)
Attendance: 362
Margate XI:
Wray, Hatfull (Knight 90’), Oke, Walsh, Hudson, Olutade (Atkins 75’), Vint (Walters 75’), Haysman (Agbebi 62’), Young, Peters, Garande
Subs not used: Husthwaite
