Blues Halt Herne Bay

By Ryan Day

Margate Boss Jay Saunders handed new signing Kadell Daniels his second Margate debut in a 3-1 victory over Herne Bay after he agreed to join the Blues permanently on Saturday morning after being released by National League Dover Athletic this summer.

The young striker notched the third goal for the Blues after first half goals from Kudos Oyenuga and Noel Leighton put the ‘Gate in control against a strong Herne Bay who have also undergone a summer overhaul, including the signing of prolific former Hythe Town striker Zac Ansah.

Margate started the game in a controlled manner with Leighton and Oyenuga linking up well as the both saw efforts well saved by Herne Bay keeper Jake Batchelor as the Blues pressed in the searing Hartsdown Park heat.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 33rd minute as Leighton and Oyenuga linked up well with the former volleying home Leighton’s cross to give the Blues a deserved lead. 1-0 soon become 2-0 for the home side as Leighton netted his third goal of pre-season as he tapped home a Jack Richards cross after an Oyenuga effort was well saved by Batchelor.

Half-time saw Adem Ramadan introduced and he linked up well with Richards early in the second half with Richards slamming an effort over the bar from 20 yards. The ‘Gate extended their lead in the 55th minute as Daniels rounded off the perfect day as he slotted home to make it 3-0.

As with pre-season fixtures the game entered a period of several substitutions with Margate making several changes within quick succession. The changes appeared to unsettle Margate’s solid defence as Herne Bay almost broke their duck as they slammed the ball against the cross bar before the rebound was curled just inches wide of Jon Miles far post.

As the game became scrappy the visitors scored a goal in the 84th minute Mobolaji Dawodu slammed home past Miles to reduce the score line to 3-1.

Attendance: 256