Margate produced a solid display as they continued their 2026/27 season preparations with a professional 2-1 away win at Isthmian Premier Division side Chatham Town on Saturday afternoon.
With Javaun Splatt (suspended), Kai Garande, Mikey Dalton, Tariq Ossai, Finn O’Mara and David Adewoju still missing, Manager Jamie Coyle was once again forced to shuffle the pack as the ‘Gate played their 5th pre-season fixture.
Margate looked to start well in the stifling heat as Norman Wabo almost latched on to an early through ball, however the home sides defence just got back in time to hold up play and thwart the attack.
Margate looked lively as Wabo again was denied a one on one, before Bradley Schafer appeared to be bundled over in the box, however the referee said play on as Margate looked most likely to open the scoring.
The opening goal of the game arrived in the 40th minute as Wabo won Margate a free kick 25-yards out. TT Walters stepped up and fired it superbly into the back of the net to give Margate a deserved 1-0 lead at half-time.
Despite Chatham making 11 changes at half-time, Margate continued their dominance as Connor Wilkins let fly from 25-yards out which flew narrowly over.
Margate almost doubled their lead as Olu Oluwatimilehin saw a header at the back post cleared off the line. After some Chatham pressure, trialist 24 almost broke clear and fired an effort wide as the game started to flow from end to end.
On the hour after a couple of changes from the ‘Gate, Ralfi Hand almost made it 2-0 as he took a delightful touch out wide before charging into the box and firing an effort goalwards which was superbly saved.
Chatham began to build in to the game and levelled with 18 minutes left as former ‘Gate midfielder Ben Allen picked the ball up 25-yards out before firing an effort past the outstretched hand of Jacob Russell to make it 1-1.
The hosts were level for only 60 seconds as Margate hit back instantly. It was TT at the centre of the Blues second goal as he played a delightful long range pass to trialist 24 who raced through and fired Margate back in front instantly.
The game was opening up with both sides looking threatening, Margate almost extended their advantage as Jack Peters weaved his way through the home sides defence before laying the ball off to Vinnie Bowman who saw his effort brilliantly saved by the home sides keeper.
Chatham hit back straight away as Allen let fly from long range which smacked the crossbar as Margate breathed a sigh of relief.
Bowman was again superbly denied once again with minutes remaining as Margate finished the stronger and can feel frustrated that they didn’t extend their lead.
Margate Goalscorers
TT Walters 40’
Trialist 24 74’
