Late Winner Seals Three Points

By Tom Morris

Our first home game in March saw Essex rival Bowers and Pitsea travel to Hartsdown Park in the Isthmian Premier League. Our Visitors started the afternoon one place above us and ended the day in the same position albeit on the same points as Elliott Reeves late strike secured all 3 points for ‘Gate.

Reeves got his first sight of goal after only 2 minutes as Richards played him in behind and under pressure from two markers the striker managed to shoot on target only for Chafer to make the save. The first 15 minutes saw both teams share possession with Margate passing the ball around patiently, Prestedge went closest with a direct free kick and our visitors saw half chances come and go with several corners.

As the half continued the industrious Lamb saw a header well saved by the keeper from Jack Richards volleyed cross and Reeves stung the gloves of Chafer with a snapshot from out wide. At the other end Manor went close with a header but the best chance of the half fell to Richards in the 37th minute when set by Sessegnon who curled over from 20 yards.

The second half started with Bowers & Pitsea on the front foot but the ‘Gate defence weathered the storm and created a good chance in the 56th minute as Sessegnon charged down the right but fired his cross to the near post out of play.

Ramadan picked up a booking for a late challenge and Warner went close with a direct free kick moments later, but Tupper made a great save. A succession of corners came and went, and the game was heading for a 0-0 draw with both teams opting to retain possession than seek out the winning goal.

That changed in the 88th minute as skipper Prestedge chased down a weak goal kick, he won two challenges and helped see the ball through to Reeves who was lurking 12 yards from goal. Striker Reeves curled the ball first time into the bottom corner of the goal and the Gate had that vital goal. 1-0.

The last three minutes saw Bowers and Pitsea throw everything at our defence but the players held firm and secured all 3 points. A vital win in the BetVictor Isthmian Premier League.

Tupper, Sessegnon, Porter, Prestedge, Johnson, Friend, Lamb, Robins, Reeves, Richards, Ramadan,

Subs: Holloway, Abnett, Witt, Geddes, Gallagher.

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