Gate Fall To Defeat Against The Bar

A goal in each half proved enough to earn Potters Bar three points against The Gate on Saturday afternoon.

During a rather tepid opening, the hosts put pressure on their opponents with plentiful possession but a lack of clear-cut opportunities.

The visitors capitalised upon this when they took the lead, maximising on some uncharacteristic lax defending from Margate mid-way through the first period, Wynter picking up a loose ball in the six-yard box fired Potters Bar ahead.

Jay Saunders’ side responded to going a goal behind well, immediately turning up the tempo in search on an equaliser.

Tobi Sho-Silva and Noel Leighton were proving a handful up top as Margate won a series of corners but failed to test the keeper.

Young attacker Jordan Ababio had a golden opportunity when he crafted time and space in a 1 v 1, his effort fired over as Margate continued to work hard to break down a resolute Potters Bar defence.

Margate’s next opportunity came courtesy of an attacking move sparked by Leighton doing his defensive duties in his half. The former Dagenham and Redbridge forward finding the path of striker partner Sho Silva with a delightful pass.

After a quick interchange with George Brown, Ababio was able to get a shot on target whilst Connor Dymond enforced another decent save with his follow up effort.

As the half wore on, Margate came close again when Brown picked up the ball on the left-hand side, whipping in a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Centre-back Ben Swift shook off the attention of his marker to rise highest, but his header went over the crossbar.

Potters Bar sustained their solid defensive display into the second half, successfully keeping The Gate at bay.

Alex Flisher and Frannie Collin were introduced, making their returns from injury and both made as difference as Margate propelled everything forwards.

Despite dominating possession, it was the visitors who scored next, doubling their lead and putting the game to bed.

A tough and frustrating afternoon for Margate was made worse on 92 minutes when James Rogers was dismissed from the field of play for dissent, challenging the referee’s decision to overrule his assistant late on in the contest.

Margate: Perntreou, Dymond, Mills, Rogers, Friend (c), Swift, Ababio, Robins, Leighton, Sho-Silva, Brown 

Subs: Bignell, Collin, Flisher, Fitchett, Mesquita