Margate won their first game of the season as they overcome Crowborough Athletic 2-1 at Hartsdown Park on a blustery afternoon on the Kent coast.
New signings Oghosa Williams and George Brooke were named on the bench as the ‘Gate gave a competitive debut to Frankie Moralee.
In front of a solid home crowd, Margate got off to the perfect start after a 14 minute delay which saw ‘Gate keeper Harry Seaden have to change his kit after the visitors said there was a clash with the ‘Gate kit.
After the delay, Margate took an 18th minute lead as Bradley Schafer swung in a wonderful free-kick which had the visiting keeper in no mans land, leaving Finn O’Mara to nod the Blues ahead.
Margate despite having the lead were growing frustrated with the officiating as Kai Garande, on his 100th appearance for the blues received a yellow card for taking too long with a throw in, as he waited for the ball to be retrieved from the far end.
Margate almost doubled their lead as Javaun Splatt raced clear through, however he shot wide as the Blues went in just 1-0 to the advantage at half-time.
Unfortunately for Margate the visitors levelled up seven minutes into the second half as a ball across the box found Smikle at the back post who tapped in to make it 1-1.
Margate weren’t to be beaten though on their opening game at Hartsdown Park of the season and restored their lead five minutes later as Schafer grabbed his second assist with a fine ball in the box which was headed home by Connor Wilkins to make it 2-1.
After retaking the lead Margate seemed to struggle to keep hold of the ball and had Seaden to thank as he made an incredible save to deny Brady Ayoola with just 14 minutes left.
With seven minutes of normal time left Margate were reduced to ten men again for the second consecutive game as Moralee was shown a straight red for a challenge on an attacker which looked nothing more than a warning.
Despite some late efforts from the visitors, Margate held on and made it four points from a possible six to start the league campaign.
Margate XI: Seaden, Ossai (Sithole 73’), Adewoju (Thomas 83’), O’Mara-Knapp, Splatt (Brooke 78’), Schafer, O’Mara, Dalton, Garande, Wilkins (Williams 66’), Moralee
Subs not used: McIntyre
Margate Goalscorer’s
Finn O’Mara 18’
Connor Wilkins 56’
Margate Man of the Match
Harry Seaden
Attendance
464
