Brilliant Blues Earn Chatham Win

By David Hansen

After a month away, Margate returned to Hartsdown Park and marked the return with a fantastic 2-0 win over Chatham Town in the Isthmian Premier League under the lights.

The ‘Gate were last in action at Hartsdown Park on the 16th of September against Folkestone Invicta in the FA Cup and since then have been on the road in 4 different competitions. This game came after Margate suffering four consecutive defeats and needing a big result back at home.

Margate set their stool out immediately after a crunching tackle from Harry Hudson in the first three minutes really set the tone for what was going to be a superb game.

The 1st chance fell to Chatham, with the wind being a real factor during the game goalkeeper Harry Seaden was almost caught off guard early as a long shot from Chatham almost dipped under the bar but thankfully went just over.

It would be Margate who would have the 1st huge chance as a lovely looking cross form full-back Harrison Hatfull found striker Steve Cawley at the back post but from point blank range could only place his shot onto the post and Chatham were able to clear their lines.

The rest of the 1st half was a very tactical affair with neither side really threatening the oppositions' goal with the best of the play coming from a Ben Greenhalgh free-kick which was just over the bar.

In the 35th minute Harry Hudson had a back pass which sold Harry Seaden short which allowed Chatham top scorer Jamie Yila to take the ball around Harry Seaden but his touch wasn’t good, and the ball went out for a goal kick. A real heart in mouth moment for the home fans.

The final flash point of the half happened fivr minutes before the break as captain Sam Blackman seemed to be caught while on the ground which in-censed the Margate players who wanted the Chatham captain gone. After the referee had time to deal with the issue the yellow card was brandished to Jack Evans to complete the first half and leave the score at 0-0.

After the resumption the wind levels had picked up making it very difficult for both keepers who would have to be switched on. This was compounded in the 56th minute as a ball came towards Chatham keeper and former Blue Ben Bridle-Card, which was taken well but almost carried over the line.

Minutes later it would be Harry Seaden who would make some quality saves as he denied a shot low into the corner following a Chatham break and tipping the ball over from a long range shot from Ben Allen to keep the clean sheet intact.

Margate would take the lead in the 72nd Minute with a goal summing up Ben Greenhalgh to a tee. Greenhalgh spotted Bridle-Card off his line from inside his own half and his shot was tipped onto the bar but had been judged to have crossed the line, sending the home fans into a frenzy and make it 1-0 to the ‘Gate, I'm sure nothing could top that......

Chatham were really pushing to get an equaliser which led to some fantastic heroic defending from Margate as a corner dropped into the box and on several occasions shots from Chatham were blocked and the ball was eventually cleared, Margate really wanted their 1st clean sheet of the season.

The hosts would double their lead with a spectacular piece of skill from Steve Cawley as he brought down a long ball and unleashed a brilliant strike on the half volley into the top corner from 25 yards out seemingly killing the game off and securing the 3 points Margate really needed.

After five minutes of added time the full-time whistle went, and Margate ended their run of four consecutive defeats. The fans were jubilant at the end, with lovely scenes between players and supporters.

Margate are back at Hartsdown Park on Saturday where they take on social media sensations Hashtag United in the Isthmian Premier League.

A mention to the players making their home debuts for the club in Godfrey Poku, Rohdell Gordon, Olly Box and a return to the club for Lewis Knight.

Lineup:

Seaden, Hatfull, Johnson, Poku, Sterling, Hudson, Blackman ©, Cawley (Box 88’), Greenhalgh, Gordon, Knight

Subs:

Vasiliou, Rutherford, Duncanson, Box, Sutcliffe

Goals:

Greenhalgh x1

Cawley x1

MOTM:

Steve Cawley

Attendance:

408

More news