'Gate Cruise Into Next Round of FA Trophy

Margate eased their way into the 2nd qualifying round of this seasons Buildbase FA Trophy with a comfortable 3-0 away win at Staines Town on Saturday.

Manager Steve Watt gave new signing Kane Haysman his first start whilst Frannie Collin returned to the squad and took his place on the bench after recovering from a groin injury which had kept him out for the past two weeks.

Margate were looking for their first win of October after five games with no win in all competitions and they looked like they would get it from minute one as they pressed the hosts early with Jay May seeing his weak effort comfortably saved by the hosts keeper after just four minutes.

The visitors did suffer a moment of caution in the 11th minute though as former Blues striker Elliott Buchanan raced through but put his effort wide of the post as the scores remained 0-0.

After Buchanan went through again and hit the post from a tight angle Margate stepped up their game with Haysman and May having opportunities blocked last ditch by the home side.

The first goal come in the 29th minute as Sessegnon took a quick throw to Dave Martin who linked up superbly with Jack Evans allowing the Midfielder to power into the box and strike a sweet low shot into the far corner to give the Gate the lead.

Margate didn’t sit back and almost doubled their lead minutes later as Evans saw a rasping 30 yard volley tipped wide by the Staines keeper before the Blues then saw Haysman’s curling effort deflected inches wide.

Steve Watts side were handed a further advantage in the 45th minute as referee Elliott Kaye handed the hosts right back Greg Haydon a second yellow card for a lunge on James Rogers leaving the hosts 1-0 down and one man down at the break.

It took Margate just five minutes of the second half to capitalise on their advantage as a deep cross evaded everyone allowing Chris Sessegnon to slam home an effort at the back post to double Margate’s advantage.

Sessegnon and Martin both had further opportunities before the game was put out of sight in the 65th minute as the referee adjudged that Margate defender Tom Wynter was dragged down in the box from a corner and awarded Margate a spot kick.

Jordan Chiedozie made no mistake from 12 yards to take him to eight goals so far this season and book Margate’s place in the 2nd qualifying draw which will take place on Monday lunchtime.

Margate again saw Buchanan hit the woodwork with a fine individual effort but other than that they comfortably saw out the game.

MARGATE: Pidgeley, Sessegnon, Mills, Rogers, Friend (Swift 80’), Wynter, Haysman, Evans, May, Chiedozie (Collin 69’), Martin (Bodkin 54’)

Subs Not Used: Stannard, Prescott

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