Margate recorded their first win of pre-season as they overcome SCEFL Premier Division side Sutton Athletic at Hartsdown Park on Tuesday night.
Margate lined up with a similar side to Saturday, however gave a first start to Norman Wabo who had recovered from illness which sidelined him from Saturday’s opener.
Margate started quickly in attack and took a 7th minute lead as a Kai Garande free-kick was nodded across goal into the path of Javaun Splatt who made no mistake from a few yards out to give the ‘Gate an early advantage.
Margate struck the crossbar moments later as they looked to extend their early lead, shortly before Bradley Schafer bicycle kicked an effort which was superbly saved.
It took Sutton some time to find some rhythm but after clipping the crossbar in the 19th minute, they eventually levelled in he 30th as a ball across the box was knocked home to make it 1-1.
Schafer, Splatt and Wabo had chances to get the ‘Gate back in front, however there was to be no further goals as the sides headed in at the break level at 1-1.
An almost completely different eleven headed out for the second half and Margate started quickly as TT Walters was bundled over allowing a trialist to slam a free-kick narrowly wide.
Sutton took the lead in the 52nd minute as a shot was well saved by a trialist keeper only for the visiting striker to react quicker and knock the SCEFL Premier side in front.
Margate almost hit straight back as Ralf Hand picked out Ronald Sithole at the back post but his volley fell inches wide of the post.
Two minutes later Margate were level as a trialist pinched the ball ahead of the keeper from a headed back pass, and squared the ball to Hand who fired home emphatically at the back post to make it 2-2.
TT Walters and Mal Balboda were causing trouble with their pace, however Sutton fired their own warning shot as they rattled the side netting and almost retook the lead.
With six minutes remaining Margate took the lead as a trialist raced onto a superb ball over the top and lofted the ball over the keeper to make it 3-2.
Margate secured their first win minutes later as Balboda saw his low cross eventually work its way through to Jayden Boulton who made no mistake in making it 4-2 and adding a nice gloss to the scoreline.
Margate return to action on Saturday as they welcome Raynes Park Vale to Hartsdown Park with kick-off at 3pm. Adanced tickets can be purchased here.
