Margate delivered an emphatic performance in their final game of the 2025/26 season at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon as they overcome Erith Town 3-1.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh made one change from last week’s 1-0 win away at VCD Athletic as Harrison Hatfull replaced TT Walters in the starting XI.
The Blues pretty much dominated from the off and were ahead in the 6th minute as Greenhalgh added another one to his season tally as his cross appeared to go straight in and give the ‘Gate an early advantage.
In the 15th minute the Blues had a strong penalty appeal waived away as Ibrahim Olutade freed Greenhalgh who seemed clear through and about to stroke the ‘Gate into a 2-0 lead when he was bundled over from behind, however much to his and most people’s amazement the referee waived play on.
Margate continued on the front foot with a flurry of corners which eventually saw the third one swung in by Greenhalgh which smacked the crossbar as Margate looked totally dominant.
Erith Town were lacking in attacking threat and Margate missed another glorious chance to double their lead in the 35th minute as Olutade went on a great run before squaring the ball to Greenhalgh who sliced the ball wide of the post whilst bearing down on goal.
The second half started with the visitors creating their first meaningful chance as a header from a corner was headed goalwards, however Dino Kaiser was there to save the ‘Gate from conceding an early second half goal.
Margate were straight back at it though with a sweeping move themselves as the ball was superbly worked out to Hatfull who drove into the box and squared to Kane Haysman who saw his effort crash into the side netting,
Olutade saw a header go narrowly over before a Hatfull volley was fumbled by the visiting keeper to Olutade who saw his effort blocked as Margate remained only 1-0 ahead somehow.
With fifteen minutes left on the clock Margate did eventually double their advantage as Brandon Davey played a great ball out to Kai Garande who ran down the left before cutting in and rifling a fine effort into the net to make it 2-0 and all but secure the three points for the ‘Gate.
Margate looked comfortable heading into the final ten minutes. Erith were certainly trying to force some chances but the Blues defence, again marshalled brilliantly by Captain Harry Hudson were dealing with everything that was coming there way.
As the game ticked into three minutes added time, the visitors grabbed a goal as a long throw into the box got the slightest touch on it its way to beating Kaiser to reduce the score to 2-1.
Margate weren’t done though and raced back into a two goal advantage as two subs Kelechi Nkwocha and Louie Atkins combined to score a sensational goal to make it 3-1. Nkwocha set off on a run from inside his own half before cutting the ball back to Atkins who skipped one challenge before nestling a sublime effort into the net to give Margate a final win at home of the season.
Margate XI: Kaiser, Hatfull (Nkwocha 87’), Oke, Knight, Hudson, Blackman, Olutade (Atkins 78’), Greenhalgh, Davey (Young 79’), Garande (Walters 79’),
Subs not used: Derry
Margate Goalscorer’s
Ben Greenhalgh 6’
Kai Garande 75’
Louie Atkins 90’
Attendance
528
