Gate Out Of Velocity Trophy

The ‘Gate go down 1-0 in a spirited performance as the hosts book their place in the semi-final for the first time in their history.

The game started with both team airing on the side of caution but things quickly changed in the 7th minute; Skipper Swift was on the side-lines after a blood injury and ready to come back onto the field of play but the referee delayed waving him back, in the play that he sat out Horsham attacked down the flank and a cross was tapped home by Brivio from the centre of the box. 1-0 Horsham!

The ‘Gate regrouped, and Lamb fed Richards, but the keeper came out quickly to smoother the ball, moments later Robins looked for Reeves with a through pass, but the striker couldn’t get to the ball and the keeper once again gathered. The half ended with Horsham on the front foot as Tupper made a couple of saves, the most notable from the boot of Cundle. Halftime 1-0.

Early in the second half the play that would determine the match unfolded; from a corner it seemed clear that Swift was caught in the head by an opposition player, he reacted by pushing him away and was shown a straight red card by the referee. The opposition player escaped without punishment and unbelievably the ‘Gate were down to 10 men.

Despite the best efforts of the players clear cut chances were hard to fashion, Leighton, Reeves and Robins all went close but the home defence held firm and protected their 1-0 lead. The best chance fell to Noel Leighton in the 72nd minute as he capitalised on a short pass from the keeper but fired his effort wide of the goal. In the final few minutes a fine defensive block stopped Sessegnon from scoring his first goal of the season and Horsham booked their place in the semi-final of the Velocity Cup. 

Margate: Tupper, Sessegnon, Porter, Robins, Johnson, Swift ©, Ramadan (Prestedge 81’), Lamb, Reeves (Abnett 59’), Leighton, Richards  Subs unused: Kallmeier 

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