Ladies Defeat Parkwood At HDP

Margate continued their push for the top three as they took three points in the league, defeating Parkwood Rangers 1-0 at Hartsdown Park on Sunday afternoon.

Under the spring sunshine, Margate Ladies headed out for their penultimate home game this season, keen for a win and closing down on a top three position.

A flurry of illness and commitments left the home side thin on the ground before kick off with Barton and Chapman making their debut for the Blues. The opposition side however were also lacking in numbers with no substitutions available to them on the bench.

The Gate had an explosive start, keeping possession, linking up well and making numerous shots on target but unfortunately the goals remained elusive.

Shortly before half-time a shot from the home side hit the woodwork and teased the fans as it bounced just sort of the goal-line. Quickly on the counter attack Parkwood made an attempt on goal, being denied by a fingertip save by Montgomery in goal which saw the ball once again hit the woodwork and narrowly miss crossing the goal line.

Despite a dominant and exciting performance, the scoreline remained 0-0 at half time.

Shortly into the second half a slight niggle to new signing Chapman, saw a substitution, bringing manager Meek onto the pitch for the first time since taking on the management position.

Not long after, a late headed challenge between King and a Parkwood striker left the ‘Gate with a yellow card and needing to make a concussion substitution. A quick stretch out and Chapman returned to the pitch.

Margate took the lead in the 71st minute after a clean strike from Chapman flew over the keeper and into the net giving Margate the advantage with less than 20 minutes to go.

The away side continued to push on goal and test both the defence and the keeper, eager to equalise however, their efforts were not enough as a composed Margate side managed to hold on until the final whistle.

Margate Ladies next take on Herne Bay Reserves in the league next Sunday at Hartsdown Park.

Kick-off is 2:30pm with free entry for all.

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