Blues Edged Out By League Leaders

Margate were edged out at home by league leaders Bishop’s Stortford 1-0 at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

Margate moved to a back three with Sinn’Kaye Christie making his home debut, whilst Midfielder Sam Blackman was recalled to the middle after recovering from injury.

It was the Blues who looked to get on the front foot early as Emmanuel Oke let fly from 25 yards out which looked to be heading towards the top corner, only to rise and whistle over the bar. Stortford soon got into their stride as Ryan Charles headed an opportunity over from six yards in a lively opening seven minutes.

A long throw from former Blues Midfielder Matt Johnson was causing some concern, however the Blues back-line and Daniel Jinadu stood up to the test that was coming their way from the league leaders.

In the 20th minute Stortford had their best chance to open the scoring as a low ball looked set to be bundled over the line by Charles, however some more heroic defending thwarted the Stortford attack as the scores remained 0-0.

Unfortunately for the ‘Gate the pressure was really starting to build and they conceded the opener in the 38th minute as Peter Ojemen’s clearance fell to the feet of Chris Harris who slammed the ball home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute.

A half-time talk from Manager Reece Prestedge appeared to have the desired effect as Margate started the second half on the front foot with Ben Greenhalgh almost delivering an inch perfect cross, only for Jack Giddens to collect the ball.

Margate looked much more attacking as Stortford were left to deal with several corners and attacks from the Blues, however the league leaders stood firm to deny an equalising goal.

Nathan Wood then tried his luck as he bent a free-kick around the wall which went inches wide just moments before the home side forced their best opportunity as a cut back found Greenhalgh 12 yards out, however his shot rose agonisingly inches over the bar as Margate looked set to level the game.

The ‘Gate continued to try and break down a resolute Stortford side, however they stood firm as they dealt with any balls into the box from wide.

Margate return to Isthmian League action on Tuesday night as we make the short journey to Herne Bay with kick-off at 7:45pm

MARGATE Xl: Jinadu, Hatfull (Fisher 72’), Christie, Hudson, Blackman (Macarthur 79’), Roberts (Smith 72’), Greenhalgh, Barton, Ojemen, Oke, Wood

Subs not used: Brodie, Bessey-Saldanha

Margate Man of the Match

Harry Hudson

Attendance

451

More news