Gate Capture Three Points At Carshalton

Margate secured three valuable league points on the road beating a spirited Carshalton team 2-1 on Monday evening.

With a point to prove following Saturday’s disappointing performance at Hartsdown Park, both The Gate and their opposition started the fixture brightly. 

The visitors had the game’s best opening chance on the break, Joe Taylor galloping towards goal and finding Frannie Collin who took a touch before firing a shot over the cross bar.

A couple of minutes later, the hosts responded with a threatening strike of their own, Jordan Cheadle’s free-kick curling wide, closely covered by Margate goalkeeper, Henry Newcombe.

Margate should have taken the lead when a beautifully weighted ball from Jordy Robins found the head of Collin, but the frontman’s header missed the target.

Collin was proving a dangerous outlet for Margate and came close again after some outstanding work by full-back Jack Paxman.

As the half wore on, so did Margate’s dominance on the ball. Enjoying longer, sustained periods on the ball, the visitors were lacking a final clinical touch to take any advantage into the break as the half concluded goal-less.

Travelling supporters did not have to wait long for a breakthrough in the second half, when Margate ruthlessly capitalised upon a free-kick opportunity after Lee Prescott was fouled 25-yards out.

Collin stepped up to deliver and his free kick curled beautifully in to the top corner. A wonderful strike and a deserved lead for The Blues.

Going a goal behind, Cashalton responded well with pace up front showing glimpses of menace.

Margate, marshalled in defence by captain Liam Friend and Ben Swift were organised and efficient, looking hard to break down in open play. 

Alas, it took a spot-kick to draw the hosts level. A harsh call on Paxman who was adjudged to have nudged Tommy Bradford over as both went up for an aerial challenge.

The spot kick was dispatched as Charshalton grabbed their equaliser. And whilst the hosts continued to push forward it was Margate who scored the next, match-winning goal.

Some great work-rate from Taylor forced a defensive error and Margate’s front man cooly slotted the ball home in front of a delighted Margate contingent who made the trip.

A professional final 10 minutes followed as Margate saw out the victory against an equally hard-working side. The Gate’s desire and hunger proving enough to nudge the contest and earn a merited and morale-boosting win.

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