Battling Blues Secure Win At Potters Bar

Margate moved 15 points clear of the Isthmian Premier Division relegation zone after a hard fought 1-0 away at Potters Bar on Tuesday evening.

Reece Prestedge brought in Freddy Barton at left back in place of the injured Taylor Fisher, whilst Yaser Kasim was handed his full debut in place of the injured Ade Cole.

Out of form Potters Bar had only collected five points since the departure of Sammy Moore and were left further in limbo ahead of the game with the resignation of former Blues midfielder Lee Protheroe.

Despite their struggles the hosts started defending resolutely as Ben Greenhalgh swung a wonderful free-kick which was almost turned home by Sinn’kaye Christie. Saturday’s man of the match Harrison Hatfull was once again showing his attacking prowess down the right hand side, and it was him that gave the ‘Gate the lead with a fine low drive after dribbling down the wing and putting the Blues 1-0 up.

That was the main action in a dull first half in freezing conditions in Hertfordshire. Margate started the second half on the front foot with Greenhalgh almost doubling the lead with a shot that rose over the bar.

Prestedge introduced Harvey Smith in place of Phil Roberts, and the striker almost had an immediate impact as he broke free, however rolled his effort narrowly wide of the post as Margate looked to put the game to bed.

With the hosts pushing for a leveller, it left Margate space when attacking and they again almost doubled their lead in the 80th minute as Greenhalgh delivered a wonderful low cross which was missed by Smith who was just inches away from tapping the ‘Gate into a 2-0 lead.

Greenhalgh almost got on the scoresheet himself in added time as Christie swung a delivery into the box which was met by the head of Greenhalgh who saw his header smack off the post and away to safety for the hosts.

There was one last moment of action as the hosts forced a late corner which was saved firstly by Dan Jinadu before being hacked away off the line for another corner.

This time it was Jinadu who again saved the day as he superbly denied a certain goal as Margate left with a vital three points.

MARGATE Xl: Jinadu, Hatfull, Barton, Hudson, Ojemen, Christie, Kasim, Blackman, Wood (Macarthur 89’), Roberts (Smith 67’), Greenhalgh

Subs not used: Soares-Junior, McCarthy, Sutcliffe

Margate Goalscorer

Harrison Hatfull 26’

Margate Man of the Match

Harrison Hatfull

Attendance

144

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