Margate continued their fine away form this season with a professional 1-0 win away at Hastings United on Saturday afternoon.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh was forced into once change as Emmanuel Oke was missing through suspension, meaning Ronnie Vint replaced him in the only change from last weekends win at Broadbridge Heath.
It was a really positive start from the Blues as Greenhalgh forced the home keeper Harry Haines into a superb first minute save to deny the ‘Gate an early advantage.
Margate controlled possession and forced Haines into some more saves before Greenhalgh smacked the crossbar in the 22nd minute as Margate really looked to build upon their previous win at Broadbridge Heath. It had been 10 years since Margate had last won at Hastings, and they thought they had finally taken the lead in the 32nd minute, however Sam Blackman was ruled to be offside after putting the ball in the net.
Despite their dominant display, Margate went in at half-time level, however looked in the mood to remain unbeaten away from home since their defeat at Three Bridges on 6th December 2025.
Former ‘Gate striker Lukas Franzen-Jones was denied smartly by Dino Kaiser as the game restarted more balanced, however the Blues looked to keep pushing forward with Greenhalgh, Ibrahim Olutade and Kane Haysman all looking dangerous in attack.
Margate got their deserved breakthrough in the 71st minute as Ben Greenhalgh found Sam Blackman in the middle who made no mistake to put the Blues 1-0 up.
Margate didn’t want to rest on their laurels and were superbly denied again by Haines in the 88th minute as he spectacularly kept out Greenhalgh’s 88th minute goal bound effort to keep it 1-0.
Despite seven minutes added time being played, Margate saw out the game to earn a well deserved three points on the road. The result means Margate have lost just once in their last 12 away games this season.
Margate: Kaiser, Hatfull (Walters 81’), Knight, Hudson, Blackman, Olutade, Greenhalgh, Davey, Haysman (Young 74’), Garande, Vint
Subs not used: Taylor, Nkwocha, Hoxha
Margate Goalscorer
Sam Blackman 71’
Attendance
733
