The Gate Return To Action At HDP

By Ryan Day

Margate were made to settle for a point in their first competitive game at Hartsdown Park in 16 months on Saturday as they were held to a 0-0draw by Carshalton Athletic.

In horrendous weather conditions in the first half it was the Blues who had the best opportunity to go ahead as Ben Greenhalgh released Ryan Palmer who saw his shot go inches wide when through one on one with the visitor’s goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas.

That chance for the hosts seemed to have woke the visitors up as firstly Daniel Bennett was denied by Pat Ohman and Lewis Knight collectively before Ohman denied Jordan Cheadle from a free kick that was destined for the top corner.

The 531 strong crowd were mostly hopeful of a more attacking display from Margate in the second half, however hearts were in mouths just seven minutes into the second half as Bennett let fly from outside the box which crashed off the bar and Margate could let out a sigh of relief.

Another Cheadle effort from a free kick was then superbly saved by Ohman before Margate created their best chance of the second half as a superb cross was headed on target by Greenhalgh but Thomas in the visitor’s goal just got fingertips to it to push it over the bar.

Margate were again let off as Carshalton crashed another effort off the bar before some more wonderful defending by Ben Swift and Lewis Knight kept the visitors at bay once more.

Margate continue their Isthmian Premier League campaign on Saturday 28th August away to Cheshunt.

Margate Xl v Carshalton: Ohman, Sessegnon, Anderson, Agyemang, Knight, Swift, Palmer (Embery 67’), Blackman, Bola (Thompson 81’), Greenhalgh, Bessey (Richards 90’)

Unused subs: Kamara, Lamb

Attendance: 531

Man of the Match: Joe Anderson

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