Margate suffered a fourth straight home defeat as they were beaten 3-2 by Eastbourne Town at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Greenhalgh saw midfielder Sam Blackman fail a late fitness test, meaning Harry Hudson slipped back into defence, allowing Emmanuel Oke to push into a defensive midfield role. Ibrahim Olutade replaced the injured Joe Taylor up front as the ‘Gate looked to extend their unbeaten run to three games.
It was a decent start from the home side as they kept the ball well and saw themselves get into some promising positions. There persistence paid off in the 11th minute as TT Walters was fouled in the box and the Blues were awarded a penalty.
Manager Greenhalgh stepped up and blasted an exquisite penalty into the top corner to give the ‘Gate an early lead.
Unfortunately for the home side that was as good as the first half was to get as the visitors levelled ten minutes later as a simple ball into the box was not dealt with, allowing Nathan Hover to fire home unmarked at the back post.
Margate went straight back up the other end and thought they had retook the lead as Lewis Knight climbed highest and saw his header well saved, just a minute before Hartsdown Park was stunned as four minutes after levelling the visitors took the lead. In almost identical fashion, the visitors raced down the right and squared to the back post where Billy Clark tapped home to spark wild celebrations from the travelling side.
Margate had James Batt to thank for not being further behind soon after as some nice play saw the ball fall to Alfie Rogers who unleashed a brilliant half volley which Batt sensationally clawed over the bar at full stretch.
Olutade had a half chance minutes before the break as he raced on to a long ball over the top, however he couldn’t sort his feet quick enough and he sliced the effort wide of the post.
Margate started the second half with some real intent as Olutade laid the ball back to Kane Haysman who saw his effort rising over the bar, but it was better from the home side.
Four minutes later and Margate were rewarded for their second half start as Greenhalgh showed tenacity and skill to break to the by-line before cutting back to Haysman who dispatched a delightful effort to level the game for the Blues.
Frustratingly for the home side, after a scuffle from the leveller which halted the game for a few minutes, the home side were caught cold again a minute later by their visitors who broke down the right again and allowed Rogers to slot the away side back into the lead, much the disbelief of the home side players, management and supporters.
Margate were offering very little and were almost caught out again down the right as a ball flashed across the box was narrowly missed by the away attackers and it flashed past the post for a goal kick.
The afternoon went from bad to worse in the 88th minute as substitute Ronnie Vint dragged Rogers down in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Batt was again the hero as he saved the penalty before then getting up and superbly blocking the rebound which was about to be stroked home.
Margate saw half chances for Joe Taylor flash wide and another effort well blocked in the final six minutes of added time but in truth it was another disappointing afternoon for the Blues at Hartsdown Park.
Margate XI: Batt, Hatfull (Taylor 61’), Oke, Walsh (Young 61’), Knight (Vint 80’), Hudson, Walters, Olutade, Greenhalgh, Haysman, Garande
Sub not used: Nkwocha, Kasim
Margate Goalscorer’s
Ben Greenhalgh 11’ (P)
Kane Haysman 54’
Attendance
411
