Gate Win At Worthing

Joe Taylor secured victory for The Gate for a second successive week as Margate sealed a notable victory away at Worthing FC on Saturday afternoon.

The first side to beat the Mackerel Men at The Bibby Financial Services Stadium in 2018, a hard-working display enabled The Blues to take three valuable points back to Kent.

Margate’s management duo made a handful of changes to their starting eleven following last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup win. Tom Wynter and James Rogers slotting back into the side whilst new signing Leroy Lita was named on the bench.

It was not the best start to proceedings for The Blues who were forced to make an early substitution due to injury to centre-back Wynter who was replaced by Ben Swift.

Both sides looked to take an early advantage, Taylor making his presence known up top for the visitors, whilst Worthing had a good breakaway opportunity denied by Rogers.

George Brown came close when his in-swinging cross from the right hand side skimmed the top of the goal. Whilst the hosts had a set piece in a dangerous area which was dealt with efficiently by the Margate back line.

Margate were forced into a second change when a crunching tackle by Rogers ended his afternoon. The midfielder was replaced by Sid Sollis and the youngster subsequently enjoyed the best chance of the first half.

Released on goal, Sollis controlled the pass before galloping towards goal but his low effort was saved by the Worthing goalkeeper.

Over 900 spectators were in place for this hotly-anticipated Bostik League clash and were on hand to see former Premier League star Lita make his debut for his former boyhood side when he replaced Frannie Collin.  

Lee Prescott almost broke the deadlock with a free kick that forced another smart save from the host’s keeper.

Worthing were reduced to 10 men and The Gate ruthlessly capitalised, taking the lead courtesy of a pinpoint set-piece delivery from Prescott which was expertly headed past the outstretched palm of the Worthing keeper into the back of the net by Taylor.

Que jubilant celebrations from the loyal following of Gate supporters who roared the players through a tense 20 minutes as they looked to hang on to their slender lead.

Whilst Margate had a handful of half chances to double their advantage, it was Worthing who were presented with a golden opportunity to draw level when they were awarded a penalty.

Fortunately for The Gate the powerful effort smacked the post and went out for a goal kick.

Henry Newcombe was on hand to deny the hosts with a fine outstretched save. Whilst down the other end, another sublime save denied Brown whose shot would have finished a magnificent counter-attack. 

The final whistle blew, securing Margate three points and the club’s first back-to-back wins this season.

The Blues are on the road again on Tuesday evening for a trip to Tooting and Mitcham in the Velocity Trophy. 

Margate: Newcombe, Mills, Wynter (Swift), Friend ©, Paxman, Prescott, Barnard, Brown, Collin (Lita), Rogers (Sollis), Taylor 

Unused subs: Kallmeier, Okoh

More news