Margate exited the Velocity Cup on Tuesday evening as they were beaten on penalties by Merstham after an entertaining 2-2 draw in 90 minutes.
With new faces in the squad, as well as Reserves player David Woodgate in the starting XI, Margate looked to make a quick start, however found themselves behind within seven minutes as a ball pulled back to Tommy Bradford was fired home.
Margate were moving the ball well but were struggling to create any meaningful chances as George Nunn fired wide, before Hassan Nalbant on debut fired the ‘Gate level in the 28th minute with a fine goal.
That spurred Margate on as a Bradley Schafer free-kick from 25-yards clipped the post, however Merstham stayed lively by forcing a few corners which kept Margate on their toes.
The second half started much the same with Margate looking to get forward but only to be hit with a sucker punch as a long diagonal ball dropped over the head of Finn O’Mara before sublimely being taken down and finished by Aaron Jenkins as Merstham retook the lead.
Merstham looked to take control as they saw a couple of efforts from Malachi Mullings sting the hands of Harry Seaden.
Margate saw a long throw from Ronald Sithole create some carnage as the ball bounced around the box before O’Mara saw his effort blocked off the line.
The ‘Gate were level in the 80th minute as a Jake McIntyre corner was headed home by Will Thomas to bring the score to 2-2 with ten minutes left on the clock.
There was to be no further clear cut chances as the game headed to penalties.
George Nunn stepped up first and saw his clear the crossbar as Margate fell behind instantly.
The penalties that followed were perfect leaving Dada the chance to win it for Merstham, however Seaden saved brilliantly to take the game to sudden death.
Two more perfect penalties each meant the shoot-out was 6-6 as O’Mara stepped up and saw his penalty saved.
It gave former Margate defender Sinnkaye Christie the chance to win it for Merstham which he did as Margate fell at the first hurdle.
Margate XI: Seaden, Hamill (Wilkins 66’), Thomas, Nunn, Nalbant, Schafer (Huke 72’), O’Mara, Woodgate, McIntyre (Tyrie 82’), Smith-Kouassi (Ademiluyi 60’), Sithole
Subs not used: Lee
Margate Goalscorer’s
Hassan Nalbant 28’
Will Thomas 80’
Attendance
141
