No January Blues For Gate as Another Three Points Gained

Margate closed the gap on top spot in the Bostik Premier League to just five points on Monday evening as they ran out 3-1 winners away at Kingstonian, albeit they have played more games than their closest rivals in the division.

The Blues named the same starting eleven that ran out 4-0 winners away at Harrow Borough just 48 hours previously and they didn’t look back as they cruised to a 3-1 win thanks to Jordan Chiedozie’s double and a Kane Haysman strike against his former side.

Despite looking in control from early on with Chiedozie slamming an effort well over, the Blues did have to deal with some Kingstonian pressure as Andre McCollin forced Lenny Pidgeley into some early saves.

Margate broke the deadlock in the 31st minute as Chiedozie reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box after Dave Martin had swung in a corner to fire the Blues ahead which took the in-form striker to 28 goals so far in all competitions this season.

Very much like Saturday this game was turned even further in Margate’s advantage as Kevin MacLaren was sent from the field of play in the 38th minute for a lunge in the middle of the field which left the referee no option but to dismiss the influential Kingstonian Midfielder.

Despite the man disadvantage Kingstonian found themselves level four minutes into the second half as Andre McCollin rose highest from an in-swinging free kick to nod past the outstretched hand of Pidgeley.

Margate weren’t to be pegged back for long though as Chiedozie notched his 29th of the season as he again pounced in the penalty area from an in-swinging corner to smash home the ball to restore the Blues lead just five minutes after being drawn level.

Chiedozie and substitute Jay May saw half chances come and go as the Blues looked to extend their lead which they did in the 70th minute as May nodded down to Blackman who slipped but still managed to nod the ball into the path of Haysman who slotted home against his former side to make it 3-1 and secure the three points for the ‘Gate.

There was very little action in the final 20 minutes, however Blues scoring sensation Chiedozie missed a glorious chance for his hat-trick in the sixth minute of added on time as he sliced May’s cross wide from six yards out.

The win leaves Margate third in the Bostik Premier League with 57 points from 31 games played.

MARGATE: Pidgeley, Evans (Bodkin 55’), Wynter, Rogers, Friend, Swift (Simpson 16’), Haysman, Blackman, Chiedozie, Collin, Martin (May 55’)

Subs Not Used: Prescott, Lee

Attendance: 225