Margate Held To Goalless Draw At HDP

By Josh Cole

On bank holiday Monday in front of a good crowd at Hartsdown Park, The ‘Gate were held to a 0-0 draw against local rivals, Herne Bay.

Having drew the first two games, the ‘gate were eager to get their first win under their belt back at home.

Before the game, player/manager Ben Greenhalgh said the team were feeling positive ahead of the derby match and that there was a buzz around the ground within the crowd.

The first attack went to the visitors, but Margate replied instantly with a good chance of their own. James Bessey-Saldanha’s cross was cleared only as far as Brandon Davey, but his shot went over the bar.

More dominance from Margate earned a big chance in the 32nd minute when Bessey found himself in on goal so he cut back but his shot was blocked. The ball fell to Greenhalgh but his follow up went over the bar.

A brief penalty shout in the 40th would be all she wrote for the first half, going in at 0-0 work was needed to break the deadlock.

In the 53rd minute another penalty appeal for Margate as Greenhalgh appeared to be pushed over by Hanfrey but the referee waved play on.

More half chances fell to Davey, Ibrahim Olutade, and Bessey-Saldanha but none of them really troubled the Bay ‘keeper.

In the 79th minute we thought we had scored, but according to the referee there was a foul in the build up to the goal, so it was chalked off and remained 0-0.

A great chance came for the ‘Gate in the 84th minute as Greenhalgh’s ball in found Lukas Franzen-Jones who touched it onto Olutade but his didn’t get enough of a connection on the shot meaning the chance was squandered.

Just a minute later Harrison Hatfull cut inside his man and let fly aiming for the top corner, but the shot went millimetres over the bar.

In the 88th minute another god chance for Margate fell this time to Harvey Brand but again his shot went inches past the post.

Full time would end a dominant display for the Blues but just missing that final cutting edge to get the first three points of the season. Only three games in and we are still unbeaten, and the goals and wins will come with the atmosphere around the club and changing rooms more positive.

You can view the full updated league table by clicking here.

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 3. Ross Craig (Kai Garande 86’), 4. Harvey Brand, 6. Harry Hudson, 7. Jordon Ababio (Lukas Franzen-Jones 63’), 10. Ibrahim Olutade (Vinnie Bowman 91’), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, and 20. James Bessey-Saldanha (Fyn Rutherford 77’).

Margate Media Man of the Match: Ross Craig

Attendance: 787

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