Blues Hold Billericay To Impressive Draw

Margate earned a hard fought point against high flying Billericay at the AGP Stadium on Saturday and were only denied three points by an 88th minute equaliser as they matched the side that had only lost one league game before. 

The ‘Gate welcomed Goalkeeper Sam Sargeant to the team after he joined on loan from Leyton Orient in the week and the 20 year old impressed highly as the ‘Gate soaked some heavy Billericay Town pressure in the opening 15 minutes.

Former Dover Striker Ricky Modeste forced two saves from Sargeant early on as former Liverpool and Stoke City midfielder Jermaine Pennant caused problems down the right hand side. Despite being under pressure in the opening stages, Margate grew into the game and forced a few opportunities themselves as Frannie Collin tested Alan Julien with a fierce strike.

The ‘Gate continued to have more possession in the middle and they almost took the lead as Sam Blackman latched onto a ball on the edge of the box after a Collin free kick was cleared but his effort rose and flew just over the bar.

Margate did go ahead in the 45th minute as Dave Martin broke down the right before cutting in and hitting a low drive which deflected off Rob Swaines leg and past the outstretched hand of Julian and into the net to send the travelling ‘Gate fans into a frenzy.

The hosts made three changes at the break and there was no doubt that they looked most likely to score next with Sam Deering smashing the post with a low drive before Sargeant continued to equal everything thrown at him as the ‘Gate looked to hold out for three points. Steve Watts’s side were presented with a fantastic opportunity to put the game to bed in the 78th minute as Jordan Chiedozie broke free but his low effort was fantastically saved by Julien in a one on one situation.

Despite the back line defending resolutely all afternoon the hosts got their leveller on 88 minutes as Adam Cunnington rose highest to head home off the cross bar to deny Margate three points that their defending probably deserved.

MARGATE: Sargeant, Evans, Wynter, Rogers, Friend, Swift, Haysman, Blackman (Bodkin 90’), Chiedozie, Collin, Martin (Prescott 72’)

Subs Not Used: Lee, Sollis, Bray

Attendance: 1,570