Blues Dominate Eastbourne Town

By Dylan Smith

The Blues continued their fine form against mid-table opposition in Eastbourne Town to further cement their place near the top of the table. 

Margate went on to win 4-0 with goals coming from Ibrahim Olutade just before the interval, Jordon Ababio early in the second, and two late efforts from Ben Greenhalgh and new signing Ben Allen to seal the perfect afternoon.

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, the ‘Gate would host an Eastbourne Town team looking to bounce back from multiple 2-1 losses in front of 492 at Hartsdown Park.

Margate flew out of the gates, creating an early chance for Ababio who was rolled through on goal by Olutade, however, the Townies 'keeper was able to sweep up any potential threat.

Just after five minutes, it seemed like the ‘Gate were bound to score however the away side’s keeper was seemingly up for the challenge. Greenhalgh struck a powerful effort from range stinging the keeper’s palms and when the ball fell to Olutade it seemed that it was going to find the back of the net. Unfortunately, he was able to push Olutade’s low shot off target, keeping the game 0-0.

The Blues went on to see most of the ball for the rest of the half but lacked potency in the final third, only creating half chances which were either headed wide or lacked the venom to cause the away sides any struggles. Kai Garande’s effort would be the closest the ‘Gate would come, as his low shot would be cleared off the line by an opposing defender.

Just before the break, Margate took a deserved lead, with Olutade continuing his fine form in front of goal! Garande fired another effort which fortunately bounced off the striker who was able to pick up the scraps and slot home into the bottom left corner!

Ababio doubled Margate’s scoreline shortly after the interval! Olutade was at the centre of it all again, laying the ball off to Ababio who took on his man, beat him comfortably, and smashed the ball into the roof of the net!

With the game winding down, Margate found a third through Greenhalgh. Atkins was played in through the middle, selflessly found Greenhalgh strolling into the box with a brilliant over the top ball, the gaffer's excellent composure and finish through the legs of the keeper was enough to make the scoreline 3-0, taking away any chance for the visitors.

Just to put the cherry on top, new signing Allen would find his name on the scoresheet on his debut. The substitute was able to wrestle the opposing defender out of the way, following a very long Tom Wray goal kick. Once he got the ball under control, he took his time and produced a brilliant bottom corner finish from the edge of the box to give Margate a 4-0 lead in the dying seconds.

Margate travel to Herne Bay on Tuesday evening, as they look to progress further in the Kent Senior Cup!

Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 4. Harvey Brand, 6 Harry Hudson ©, 7. Jordon Ababio (Gabriel Duo 74’), 9. Ibrahim Olutade (Emmanuel Oke 75’), (5. Tyrone Sterling 87’), 10. James Bessey-Saldana (Ben Allen 57’) 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 17. Kai Garande, 19. Max Walsh (Louie Atkins 75’).

Margate Media Man of the Match: Kai Garande

Goalscorers: Olutade 43', Ababio 51', Greenhalgh 85', and Allen 90+6'

Attendance: 492

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