Vasiliou: "The Boys Are Buzzing"

By Riley Finch

Margate players were “buzzing” as they advanced to the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup in emphatic fashion for the first time in four years after beating Folkestone Invicta 3-1 at The Alcaline Stadium on Tuesday evening.

First-half goals from Tyrone Sterling and a screamer from Ben Greenhalgh put the ‘Gate 2-0 up in just 22-minutes.

Steve Cawley’s cool finish early in the second ensured Margate an imperious lead leaving Folkestone’s late goal as nothing more than a consolation for the home side.

Man of the match Antonis Vasiliou said:” The boys are buzzing, we really grafted and started well and I thought we just took off from there.

“We got the first goal with the second not too long after that and we went into half-time really happy with the performance.

“We knew it was going to he a tough second-half and the next goal would be the important one. Luckily we got the third and the boys really grafted for the win after that.”

Margate took just 18-minutes to take the lead, scoring four minutes later to make it 2-0.

It took them just two minutes to lead by three at the start of the second-half.

“We have had a thing for conceding first in the last few games and it was really important that we just stuck tight at the back and limited their opportunities and scored whilst on top.”

An almost perfect performance was thwarted by a late goal from Folkestone as a cross turned shot snuck its way in, two minutes from the 90-minute mark.

While Margate fans may have been worried about an unlikely comeback, the team showed composure to get the job done.

“I don’t think I was worried. It wasn’t a well worked goal.

“The boys are experienced at the back to know that one goal doesn’t change much. Obviously the pressure increases but I had faith in the team to get behind the ball and see the game out.”

Margate reach the Third Qualifying Round for the first time in four years, where they face Chesham in what will be a tough test as they currently sit proudly top of the Southern Premier league having won seven from seven.

Chesham reached the Third Qualifying Round with a 2-1 away win at Farnham Town last Saturday.

“I’ve heard they’re unbeaten so far in the league but it doesn’t faze us, we are on a run ourselves.

“I think we will go there and give them a great match. I’m buzzing for it.”

Antonis Vasiliou is sponsored this season Home & Away by Tommy Empson.

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