Margate returned to winning ways with a relatively comfortable 3-1 win away at Herne Bay to end a run of three straight defeats, and end 2025 on a high on Saturday afternoon.
Joe Taylor was handed his first start since returning to the ‘Gate, as well as Sam Blackman and Harrison Hatfull returning from suspension and injury to give the ‘Gate a strong look to their starting line-up.
After three games without a goal, the ‘Gate didn’t need long to get underway at The Crest Stadium as a Ben Greenhalgh free-kick from 35 yards out was struck home to give the ‘Gate a 1-0 lead after just five minutes.
Margate looked like they had a point to prove and almost doubled their lead in the 11th minute as Sam Blackman pressed high winning the ball back before finding Ibrahim Olutade who superbly worked the ball to Taylor who saw his shot clip the post as he almost netted upon his return.
Despite their early pressure, Margate were pegged back in the 13th minute as Tom Wray was adjudged to have brought down Steve Townsend in the penalty box. Whilst Wray was to save the initial penalty, he wasn’t able to prevent Townsend running in to poke home the rebound to make it 1-1.
For the next 20 minutes it looked as if both sides were happy to just keep the ball with neither side really creating any chances. Greenhalgh saw a wonderful corner flapped at by the home keeper but otherwise it was a dull twenty minute period of the game.
In the 35th minute the game sprung into life as again wonderful link up play saw Taylor assist to Blackman who fired home to make it 2-1, via a handball from a Bay defender, however the goal was to stand and Margate were ahead once again.
Moments later and Margate effectively had the three points sealed as Kane Haysman danced his way into the box before being brought down, leaving referee Simon Finnigan no choice but to award the ‘Gate a penalty of their own.
Blackman, having already netted decisively picked up the ball and slammed the ball home to make it 3-1 with still five minutes of the first half remaining.
Margate had to soak up some early second half pressure with the hosts delivering plenty of balls into the box, however the ‘Gate defence marshalled excellently by Captain Harry Hudson dealt with everything thrown at them.
On the odd occasion the ‘Gate didn’t deal with the cross, Wray was on hand to deal with anything that was thrown at him, including a smart save at the feet of Alfie Bloomfield.
Olutade and Taylor both had efforts to extend the lead which were saved, but Margate managed the game perfectly as they returned to winning ways and secured a fine 3-1 away win to take into 2026 with them.
Margate return to Hartsdown Park to kick-start 2026 when they host Ashford United on Saturday 3rd January with kick-off at 3pm.
Margate XI: Wray, Hatfull, Oke, Knight, Hudson, Blackman (Peters 82’), Olutade, Taylor, Greenhalgh (Young 83’), Haysman (Walters 78’), Garande
Subs Not Used: Derry, Walsh
Margate Goalscorers
Ben Greenhalgh 5’
Sam Blackman 35’, 40’(P)
Attendance
1,041
