Gate Slip To Deafeat Against Lewes

Margate were left to rue missed opportunities as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Lewes at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

Following a goalless stalemate on Bank Holiday Monday, Management duo Steve Brown and Mike Sandmann introduced new signing Sid Sollis into an attacking starting line-up, and the hosts showed their intent early on.

The Gate were almost rewarded for a promising start when they were the first to get the ball in the back of the net. 

A delightful attacking move spearheaded by Jack Paxman down the right wing was clinically finished by Astride Basselle. Yet celebrations from the Hartsdown faithful were quickly cut short, as the official’s flag ruled offside.

Tom Wynter was later denied by a goal line clearance, before Basselle rattled the post with a shot from distance.

Margate had very strong claims for a penalty when Joe Taylor nodded the ball into the bath of Basselle, whose storming run into the area could only be stopped by what looked to be late challenge. The referee waved away appeals, much to the dismay of Basselle and his team-mates.

Moments later, Frannie Collin launched a ferocious shot from distance which whistled just off target.

It was the visitors who took the lead when James Hammond stepped up to curl the ball into the top right-hand corner giving the visitors the advantage going into the break.

During the opening period of the second half, it was Lewes who enjoyed a more threatening period of play and could have doubled their lead.

Margate had keeper Henry Newcombe to thank with two brilliant saves in quick succession to deny The Rooks a second goal.

As the half wore on, so did Margate’s dominance in the fixture. Chances were created but a resolute Rooks defence performed admirably.

Sollis came agonisingly close to drawing The Gate level. After more good hold up play from Taylor, the 19 year-old striker hit the ball sweetly but his goal-bound effort was tipped around the post by Carey.

Captain Liam Friend was the next to be denied during the subsequent corner, when his shot was headed off the line.

70 minutes in, The Gate were awarded a penalty when Taylor was entangled in a clumsy challenge. Collin stepped up, hitting the ball well but on a frustrating afternoon for The Blues, the penalty was saved courtesy of a fine diving save.

Carey produced a further flurry of good saves as The Rooks held on for three hard-fought points, much to the frustration and disappointment of the Margate squad.

Margate: Newcombe, Mills, Wynter, Friend © (Swift), Paxman, Rogers (Prescott), Brown, Astride (Barnard), Taylor, Sollis, Collin

Unused: Fitchett, Akinde

Carey Brinkhurst Conlon Redwood Chappell Hammond Lawson Cotton Blewden Smith Bosma; SUBS: Dome-Bemwin Reed Grifford Cotton Freeman

Subs: Dowe-Bemwin Reed Gifford Cotton Freeman

Attendance: 479 

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