'Gate Beat Brickies

Margate returned to winning ways as they beat Sittingbourne 2-1 on Friday night.

Margate were again forced to name several trialists in the squad as they continue to battle with injuries, especially in defence.

It was a new trialists #9 that got them on their way early on as he pounced onto a mistake by the Sittingbourne full-back to race through and coolly finish when one on one to hand Margate an early advantage.

In an otherwise slow paced first half, Margate had to wait until the 35th minute for their next chance as James Bessey-Saldanha weaved through the Sittingbourne midfield and defence before seeing his shot saved comfortably by the hosts keeper.

Trialist #9 was again released in the final moments of the first half, however this time he saw his effort go wide as the Blues went in 1-0 up at half-time.

Manager Andy Drury continued to swap players on the pitch as substitutions appeared to slow the game down, however the Blues created a glorious opportunity on 70 minutes as Ben Greenhalgh found Troy Howard who struck his fierce effort wide of goal with only the #keeper to beat.

Margate were 2-0 to the good just two minutes later as trialists #9 swung a sweet delivery into the box which was turned home by a Sittingbourne defender for an own goal.

The ‘Gate did concede a last gasp goal, however held on to return to winning ways as they recorded a 2-1 win.

Margate return to action on Tuesday evening as they welcome Canterbury City to Hartsdown Park for their final pre-season game ahead of next Saturday’s league opener against Kingstonian.

MARGATE: Tangara, Trialist (Trialist), Topley, Hudson, Cole, Blackman, Trialist (Smith), Trialist (Deslandes), Greenhalgh (Oluwesemo), Trialist, Bessey-Saldanha (Howard)

Margate Goalscorers

Trialist #9 7’

Own Goal 72’

Margate Man of the Match

Ben Greenhalgh

Attendance

134

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