Blues Defeated By Hastings United

Margate lost for the first time in eight games as they were defeated 2-1 by Hastings United on Tuesday night.

Manager Andy Drury was without three of his usual back four with injuries to Harry Hudson and Taylor Fisher, whilst Freddy Barton was also unavailable as the Blues named a makeshift back-line.

It was difficult opening few minutes for the hosts as the visitors piled on some early pressure, however the Blues soon found their rhythm as Cameron Brodie stung the hands of the Hastings ‘keeper. Margate continued to press forward with Brodie and David Smith missing chances either side of Ben Pope registering Hastings first real threat.

It was Pope that slotted the visitors in front in the 29th minute as he raced onto a wonderful through ball which he slid under the on-rushing Daniel Jinadu to make it 1-0.

The Blues responded just nine minutes later as Ben Greenhalgh swung a beautiful ball into the path of Sam Blackman who wheeled away in celebration after making it 1-1.

The second half started with the visitors looking to regain the lead, and they almost did in the 49th minute as Kane Penn struck the crossbar as the scores remained level. The Blues were beginning to show their defensive frailties as Hastings accumulated several free-kicks on the edge of the box as pressure mounted on the Blues goal.

A brief rest bite for the Margate defence saw Smith lash an effort just inches wide, however the ‘Gate had Jinadu to thank for still being level as he diverted three efforts away from goal as the Blues held on moments later.

Unfortunately for the ‘Gate, but rather unsurprisingly the visitors retook the lead in the 77th minute as Pope broke through and squared to Penn who made no mistake to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Margate were reduced to ten men in the closing minutes as Ojemen was shown a second yellow card, whilst Korrey Henry was also sent off in the aftermath from the bench as the Blues ended a disappointing night with a loss and two further suspensions pending.

MARGATE: Jinadu, Chandler, Brodie, Kaiser, Blackman, Smith, Bessey-Saldanha (Deslandes 76’), Greenhalgh, Ojemen, Oke, Henry (Addai 84’)

Subs not used: McCarthy, Egole, Marsh

Margate Goal Scorer

Sam Blackman 39’

Attendance

246

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