Gate Off To Flyer

Margate FC started their season in style courtesy of a prolific opening 45 minutes proving enough to seal three points over Corinthian Casuals at Hartsdown Park.

A new-look side took to the field for the first time under the management of duo Steve Brown and Mike Sandmann and made their intentions known with an electric first-half display.

The hosts got off to a flying start within the opening quarter, new-signing Baselle Aristride producing a galloping run down the left-hand side before rifling the ball into the back of the net.

A few minutes later The Gate doubled their lead courtesy of centre-back Tom Wynter, who was in the right place at the right time to nod home a perfectly placed glancing ball from captain Liam Friend.

Free flowing football from the boys in blue dictated the tempo over the game, enjoying time and capitalising of space, Margate were able to carve out several opportunities given their opponents a testing introduction into a new-look Bostik League Premier Division.

Mid-way through the half, midfielder Alex Brown produced a magic moment for the 500 strong Hartsdown crowd, letting loose from 25 yards to find the top right-hand corner with a sublime shot.

Not content enough, Brown bagged a brace just minutes later. An equally delightful effort from long-range, put Margate 4-0 up. 

Buoyant with confidence, The Gate made it five before the break. A somewhat familiar scene for Gate supporters, with Frannie Collin stepping up to capitalise upon a free-kick opportunity to find the bottom corner.  

After the break, the visitors had far greater say. Enjoying more possession, Corinthian drew together a string of attacking moves, but it was Margate who could have gone further ahead.

A mazy run from Chris Barnard who showed quick feet to leave the visitors’ defence in a tizzy was denied by a fingertip save.

Corinthians had opportunity to draw level, Gate keeper Henry Newcombe alert to any threat, the best opportunity for the newly-promoted side came when James Rogers was adjudged to have tripped tugged at his opponent in the box.

A penalty and yellow card subsequently branded and it was down to Warren Mfula to step up and convert. Fortunately for The Gate his attempt blazed over the crossbar and Margate were spared, albeit temporarily.

As just moments later, Mfula corrected his earlier miss grabbing a consolation with a well taken goal.

Gil Carvalho poked home from a corner late on to make it 5-2 and conclude an epic afternoon full of goals down besides the seaside.

The Gate's attentions now turn to a mid-week trip to Dorking Wanderers. 

Margate FC: Newcombe, Paxman, Mills, Rogers, Friend (C), Wynter, Brown (Wratten), Barnard (Boateng), Taylor, Collin (Prescott), Aristride

Boulding, Fitchett

Attendance: 510

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