Blues Go 7th With Solid Lowestoft Win

Margate made it three wins out of three in November as they overcome 9 man Lowestoft on Saturday to move up to 7th in the Bostik Premier League.

The ‘Gate were without the injured Chris Sessegnon and suspended Jack Evans while the recovering Tom Wynter was named on the bench.

Margate raced out of the blocks in a freezing cold Suffolk as Kane Haysman raced through in the opening stages before curling an effort just wide of the far post. Tom Mills who had scored his first goal for the Gate in the away win at Leatherhead almost opened the scoring minutes later as his fierce shot stung the hands of the host’s keeper.

Despite their only pressure Margate should have fallen behind on 18 minutes as Lowestoft broke through only for Lenny Pidgeley to pull off an amazing one handed save to keep the scores at 0-0. Jay May then saw a weak effort roll through to the keeper as Margate continued to dominate proceedings without opening the scoring.

The Blues did break the deadlock on 39 minutes as a corner was swung in deep to the back post which Lowestoft failed to clear allowing James Rogers the opportunity to drill a low cross across the six yard box which Haysman was on hand to poke home from six yards.

Margate started the second half in the same ascendancy that they had ended the first half with Jordan Chiedozie and Frannie Collin unleashing long range efforts which failed to trouble the home keeper.

The ‘Gate once again had Pidgeley to thank for being in the lead in the 59th minute as Foy on loan from Cambridge raced through but again Pidgeley stood firm to deny the young striker with another incredible save.

Lowestoft lost the first of their two players shortly after that save as Jake Reed received his marching orders for throwing the ball into the face of Lee Prescott after the referee had awarded a free kick to the hosts.

The hosts were reduced to 9 men in the 78th minute as Chiedozie raced through on goal only for Travis Cole to pull the shirt of Chiedozie meaning the referee had no choice to show the red card and award the Blues a penalty.

Chiedozie picked himself up and dusted himself down and slotted home the penalty to double Margate’s lead and secure the three points for the ‘Gate.

MARGATE: Pidgeley, Bodkin (Wynter 72’), Mills, Rogers, Friend, Swift, Haysman, Prescott, Chiedozie (Enver-Marum 80’, Collin, May (Martin 72’)

Subs Not Used: Brown, Stannard

Attendance: 358