Margate ended their pre-season schedule in disappointing fashion as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Ramsgate in the Isle of Thanet Cup.
Billed as a season curtain raiser, Margate named new summer signing Finn O’Mara in the starting XI for the first time, whist loan signing Frankie-Jay Moralee also started for his Blues debut.
Sadly the atmosphere off the pitch didn’t translate onto pitch as the game started in a subdued fashion with neither side creating many chances, although it was the home side who managed to retain possession better than the Blues.
Despite nothing happening in the early stages, the hosts did take the lead in the 14th minute as a ball fell to Alfie Paxman in the box and he fired low past Jacob Russell who got a hand to it but couldn’t turn it round the post.
Margate only really ventured forward once in the first half as Tariq Ossai got forward from his wing-back position, only to see his effort fly harmlessly over the bar as both sides failed to create much in the way of chances.
Half-time brought no changes on the field in terms of personnel, however it seemed in quality as the ‘Gate flew out if the traps and they should have been level within four minutes of the restart as Albie O’Mara-Knapp raced through, but saw his chipped effort saved comfortably by Jonathan Henly in the Ramsgate goal.
Margate looked better and also saw another chance come their way as Javaun Splatt worked well to muscle through, however his effort was too weak as Henly stood firm to deny the ‘Gate an equaliser.
That seemed to shake the hosts into life and they doubled their advantage a minute later as a ball in the box was headed home to effectively end the tie.
There was to be not much more action, however Ramsgate had a couple of efforts to extend their lead denied by Russell, however they completed a routine win as both sides prepare for their league openers next weekend.
Margate open their Isthmian South-East campaign away at recently relegated Cray Valley (PM) on Saturday 8th August 2026 with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
