Gate Knocked Out Of FA Cup

By Tom Morris

In only our second competitive game of the revamped 2020-2021 season the ‘Gate took on Hayes and Yeading in the Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round, narrowly losing 2-1 after a spirited second half fight back.

The game started tentatively with both teams looking to get a foothold in the match, early chances fell to our visitors as a quick counter was expertly stopped by Moncur (5’) before a corner was volleyed inches wide at the back post (7’). Minutes later and Hayes & Yeading should have taken the lead as another corner found the man at the back post who cushioned the ball into the side netting when it seemed easier to score (12’).

Margate’s first effort on goal came in the 16th minute as the impressive John Ufuah curled an effort goal wards which forced a smart save from Jack Smith, unfortunately the resulting corner came to nothing. Ufuah won another corner (21’) after a mazy run down the left and the ball dropped in the box but eluded a ‘Gate boot as Robinson hacked the ball clear.

The opening goal was scored by Omar Rowe in the 36th minute, he capitalised on a loose pass in the ‘Gate defence and showed good composure to pass the ball into the back of the net. 0-1. The games first yellow card was issued minutes later as Sheppard fouled Burnett as he looked to start a quick counterattack.

There was one final chance for our visitors before half time as Amartey was denied a scoring opportunity (39’) as Friend and Vose closed him down well. 1-0 at the break to Hayes & Yeading.

Margate started to fight back, retain possession, and put several good crosses into the box (64’ & 68’) but on each occasion the Hayes defenders stood strong and cleared the ball. Saunders made his only change of the match in the 71st minute replacing Luke Carey with Charlie Hatton.

John Ufuah almost pulled a goal back (73’) when he broke free of his marker but dragged with shot wide, Friend was next to go close (76’) as he leapt highest a headed a corner against the bar! The goal eventually came in the 84th minute as a Porter cross hit the arm of the defender and Ufuah stepped up to smash home the penalty! 1-2.

Despite 5 minutes of added time and curling shot from Evans (90’) that drew a smart save from the keeper Hayes and Yeading held firm and progressed to the 2nd qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup, wining 2-1 on the night.

Margate: Vose, Sessegnon, Porter, Prestedge, Friend, Swift, Moncur, Burnett, Ufuah, Evans, Carey.

Subs: Kallmeier, Wilkinson, Steele, Hatton (Carey 71’), Lamb, Richards

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