Margate fell to a frustrating defeat against Faversham Strike Force in their sixth pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026/27 season.
In the Hartsdown Park evening sunshine, Manager Jamie Coyle made just one change from their 2-1 win at Chatham on the Saturday before.
Margate forced he first opportunity as TT Walters saw an effort narrowly missed, however that was to be one of very few bright sparks as the visitors took a 14th minute lead as a long throw into the box was knocked home to make it 1-0.
Margate found themselves fortunate to not be further behind as Jacob Russell made two super saves to deny the visitors another goal, whilst in the 40th minute Mikey Dalton saw an effort well saved.
The Blues did level on the stroke of half time as Bradley Schafer grabbed his first goal in a ‘Gate shirt to make it 1-1.
The game was to be level for just seconds as the visitors hit straight back as a long ball forward then allowed Faversham to swing a ball into the box where the striker was completely free to head home and make it 2-1 to Faversham Strike Force at the break.
Margate saw very little improvement in the second half as Strike Force were again fantastically denied by Russell, before they did extend their lead in the 55th minute to make it 3-1.
With subs taking any flow out of the game, the clock ticked down to towards 90 minutes which saw Kai Garande flash a nice low shot just wide as Margate suffered their second pre-season defeat.
The Blues return to action on Saturday as they travel to Longfield to face SCEFL Premier Division side Corinthian with kick-off at 3pm.
