Margate Edge Thriller

Margate edged a thrilling Emirates FA Cup tie, beating a resolute Horndean side 3-2 courtesy of a Frannie Collin free kick and Joe Taylor brace.

After a rather mundane opening 10 minutes, the game sprung to life when The Gate’s Wessex League opponents broke the deadlock.

Despite a good initial save from Henry Newcombe, Alfie Lis followed up the rebound to put the visitors ahead.

Jack Paxman hit the crossbar with a great strike, followed by Frannie Collin whose powerful shot from distance rattled the woodwork.

The Gate had a strong penalty appeal when debutant George Brown looked to have been clearly upended. A similar incident later on in the half was further waved away by the referee.

Collin got The Gate a deserved equaliser after a positive period of attacking play. Stepping up from 25 yards out, Collin launched an effort towards goal which wrong footed the keeper and hit the back of the net.

The hosts started the second half brightly, showing their attacking intent to take a lead in the tie. They were rewarded when Joe Taylor picked up Lee Prescott's pass, clinically slotting the ball home.

Taylor doubled his tally for the day and further extended The Blues lead on the 7thth minute.

Having been brought down in the box, Taylor stepped up to convert the penalty he had won, cooly slotting the ball past the Horndean goalkeeper.

Margate dominated in long periods but Horndean were not prepared to exit the competition without a fight.

After a flurry of chances, Jack Maloney’s cross found the back of the net to offer the visitors what proved to be a consolation.

Margate now progress into Monday’s draw for the next round.

Margate: Newcombe, Paxman, Mills, Prescott Friend, Swift, G Brown, A Brown (Barnard 31mins), Taylor, Collin (Lewins 79mins), Okoh (Rogers 75mins); Subs: Wynter, Wratten, Kallmeier, Olayiwola

Horndean: Magee, Reed, Kelly, Heard, Sachman, Hookey, Maloney, Howes (Everett 65mins, Glasspool, Liss (Edwards 65mins), Jackson; Subs: Smith, Duffin, Kanganda, Mann

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