Blues Crash Out of FA Cup

Margate crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the final qualifying hurdle as they were undone by former AFC Wimbledon pair Jack Midson and Player-Manager Sammy Moore.

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The Blues went into the game with a growing injury list but were able to call on Jordan Chiedozie but striker Frannie Collin failed a last minute fitness test.

It was an even opening half with neither side really causing the other keeper any trouble. The best chance of the half fell to the hosts as Chiedozie saw his 25 yard free kick well saved by the visitor’s keeper.

Leatherhead started the second half much brighter and could have been ahead in the 55th minute as the Gate failed to clear a corner which allowed Midson to slam an effort against the crossbar.

The hosts did have the lead in the 75th minute as Player-Manager Moore unleashed a superb 25 yard effort that rose and nestled in the top corner past the beaten Lenny Pidgeley.

The Blues pushed for an equaliser straight away but fell behind further in the 85th minute as the Tanners broke down the left before crossing to Midson who fired home a sweet volley to send the Tanners into the next round.

Margate did reduce the arrears in the 89th minute as Harry Stannard coolly netted a cross on the volley but there was no way back for Watts’s side who exit at this stage for the third season in a row.

MARGATE: Pidgeley, Sessegnon, Mills, Rogers (Swift 89'), Friend, Wynter, Smith, Evans, Chiedozie, Prescott (Bodkin 81'), Martin (Stannard 86')

Subs Not Used: Lee, Rudd, Bray, Killick

?Attendance: 879

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