Late Thriller Results In Point

By Tom Morris 

The ‘Gate collect a point on the road after a topsy turvy game against Bishops Stortford thanks to goals from Kieran Monlouis and Adem Ramadan.

In recent times Jamie Cureton has starred for Bishops Stortford vs Margate and within a minute of the kick-off he latched onto a loose ball and saw his goal bound effort blocked by Dan Johnson. 2 minutes later the veteran striker had another opportunity with a free kick from 25 yards that Tupper saved: expertly tipping the ball over the crossbar. That was as good as it got for the hosts in the first half as the ‘Gate started to apply some pressure. First Reeves crossed for Monlouis in the 10th minute but the midfielder failed to direct his header on target, 3 minutes later Kadell Daniel collected a pass 20 yards from goal and curled an effort just wide of the post.

The opening goal came a minute later, Reeves drove down the flank and crossed for Monlouis who skilfully controlled the ball and slotted home to score his third league goal since joining the ‘Gate on loan from Dulwich Hamlet. Margate continued to press forward: Daniel drew several smart saves from the home keeper and Lamb and Prestedge were anchoring the Gate midfield and allowing those around them to get forward. The half ended with Read heading over from a Bishops Stortford corner and we went in at the break 1-0 up.  

Cureton made two changes at half time bringing on Johnson and Barnwell for Campbell-Mhlope and Mason and the hosts looked much more assured in possession and threatening on the attack. As the game ebbed and flowed with no clear-cut chances Jay replaced Lamb and Reeves with Leighton and Campbell as we went in search of a second goal. 

In the 78th minute Bishops Stortford were level! Prestedge talked his way into the book and while the defence set up Cureton swung a free-kick in behind our back line that Haines was able to head in past Tupper at the back post. 1-1 with 12 minutes to play.

Either team could’ve gone on to score again and it was the ‘Gate supporters who got to cheer in the 86th minute as Ramadan collected a Porter throw-in and moved towards goal curling home past the keeper from the edge of the area! 2-1 Margate. 

A second successive away win was on the cards until Barnwell rose highest at the back post to head an equaliser past Tupper and take a share of the points between two evenly matched teams.

Margate: Tupper, Sessegnon, Porter ©, Prestedge, Johnson, Friend, Lamb (Campbell 71), Monlouis (Robins 75), Reeves (Leighton 71), Daniel, Ramadan.

Subs: Swift, Abnett

The ‘Gate are next in action on Tuesday 21st January as we travel to Wingate and Finchley for the 2nd knock out round of the Velocity Cup.  

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