Gate Comeback To Secure Win

By Tom Morris

Margate battle through and injury crisis to record a comeback win away at Cheshunt thanks to a brace from substitute Kadell Daniel.

Back in Isthmian League action after the FA Cup victory at Horsham YMCA The Gate were looking for back to back victories against newly promoted side Cheshunt FC. 

The hosts started brightly and striker Akinyemi drew a good save from Tupper in the first minute, our injury crisis went from bad to worse after 8 minutes when a clash between Lekan and Jordy Robin forced the latter to retire, Giani Ashley came on at full-back and Harrison Hatfull switched to centre midfield.

On 16 minutes the hosts won a penalty, Joe Re stepped up bit Tupper made the save, our hosts weren’t to be denied for long though as 4 minutes later Akinyemi brought down a high ball and found the corner of the net with a well placed shot, 1-0 Cheshunt. 

Reeves, Richards and Anua all had half chances but failed to truly trouble Harry Girling in the Cheshunt goal. The Gate almost went in at the break level as another clever run from Elliott Reeves found Adem Ramadan, but his fierce shot hit the crossbar and after 3 minutes of additional time the first half ended.

Early in the second half Reeves and Leighton combined and Elliott put the ball in the net only to be denied by the assistant referee raising his flag for offside. On 51 minutes Jay replaced Jack Richards with Kadell Daniel and he almost scored with his first shot on 55 minutes but unfortunately his effort drifted wide of the post.

The equaliser came in the 65th minute; Kadell Daniel picked up the ball in midfield and drove at the Cheshunt defence, who backed off sufficiently for Kad’s to release a shot from outside the box that flew into the far corner, his 4th goal of the season and the game was tied at 1-1.

Margate were on the ascendancy now and Girling had to be alert to make a number of smart saves from Leighton and Reeves, Tupper also was called into action in the 73rd minute when Re shot from distance but the Gate keeper was equal to the challenge and made a comfortable save.

With Dan Johnson off the field for a blood injury it looked like the game was destined to end in a draw as The Gate protected their defence however in the 93rd and final minute Margate were awarded a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Ramadan in the box. 

Up stepped Kadell Daniel and coolly dispatched the spot kick to register his 5th league goal and send the travelling Gate supporters into pandemonium on the side-lines! The game ended shortly after and we came away with all 3 points in a thoroughly entertaining game. Next up the small matter of Concord Rangers at home in the FA Cup.

Margate: Tupper, Hatfull, Porter, Anua, Majoyegbe, Johnson ©, Richards, Robins, Reeves, Leighton, Ramadan.

Subs: Holloway, Ashley, Daniel, Thornby, Gallagher