Cheshunt FC (H) - 25th August 2023

By Josh Cole

The ‘Gate are back at home on Friday Night under the lights at Hartsdown Park as we welcome Cheshunt for matchday four of the Isthmian Premier Division!

Tickets for this fixture can be purchased by clicking here. 

Last Saturday we travelled to The Aspect Arena to face Concord Rangers and we came away 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Sam Blackman and Steve Cawley. Manager Reece Prestedge was “disappointed” that Margate didn’t kill the game off earlier after being 2-0 up inside nine minutes.. You can watch the full interview on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Despite taking two knocks to the head last Saturday, Harrison Hatfull could be fit to play on Friday alongside Tyrone Sterling who could return to the starting line-up, after he pulled out during the warm-up. Roberto Ratti remains on the sidelines through injury.

Cheshunt, also known as The Ambers, were founded in 1946 and play at Theobalds Lane. Along with Concord Rangers, Cheshunt were also relegated from the Vanarama National League South last season finishing in 23rd place out of 24. They are managed by Craig Edwards, who has been in charge since January 2nd 2018.

Cheshunt have struggled at the start of the season as they sit in 18th place on one point. They drew 1-1 with Hastings on opening day and then suffered successive losses to Billericay (0-1) and Chatham Town (1-2). The ‘Gate have started positively and sit in 7th after beating Whitehawk on the opening day 2-1 before losing to Hornchurch 4-1.They returned to winning ways at Concord 2-1 last weekend.

The ‘Gate and The Ambers have faced four times since September 2019 with Margate winning one, Cheshunt winning one and two ending in a draw. The most recent meeting ended 2-2 at Hartsdown Park back in December 2021 with Margate’s goals coming from Calvin Ekpiteta and Vance Bola. Highlights from that game can be found on our YouTube channel or watch them by clicking here. 

The man in the middle for Friday’s game is Teddy Osborn and he will be assisted by Chris Cannon (assistant referee one), and Nik Garside (assistant referee two).

Can’t make Friday Night? Tune in to our official X account @margate_fc for live match updates from 7:15pm.

UP THE ‘GATE

'Gate Beaten By Cheshunt

By Dylan Smith

The Blues returned home on a fine Friday evening, to face new boys Cheshunt in the Isthmian Premier Division.

A goal from Phil Roberts wasn’t enough for the ‘Gate, as they would take their second loss for the season.

The game started with both sides seemingly on their toes. Early corners for both teams nearly led to the game breaking the deadlock in the opening ten minutes. Ben Greenhalgh would find the side netting, which would be matched by the Ambers, as they also shot just wide in the early stages.

As the half progressed, the ball was mainly being played in the midfield, with neither team taking control of the game. A lot of cheap fouls led to set pieces, which would end up being most of the main chances for the rest of the half. Steve Cawley would go closest to scoring for the ‘Gate, as he would end up heading a good cross from Greenhalgh just wide of the post.

Prior to the interval, Cheshunt would have their fair share of chances, with their striker Meehan missing from three yards. Furthermore, Titchmarsh would also fire just wide of the post. Fortunately, the half-time whistle went leaving it all to play for in the second half.

Margate would come out of the blocks firing, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. Captain Sam Blackman would go very close to giving the ‘Gate the lead as he headed the ball towards the net with venom, which led to an excellent save from the Ambers keeper.

Seconds after entering the pitch, debutant Antonis Vasiliou nearly had the dream start for the ‘Gate. He brought a high ball down with a beautiful touch, beat the defender, leaving him one on one with the keeper. He wouldn’t be able to beat the keeper, leaving the game goalless but with the home side on top.

Bitterly, it would be Cheshunt who would break the deadlock just before the hour. After a quick counterattack, the Amber’s number nine Meehan would receive the ball on the edge of the box. He would cut inside and find the bottom corner giving the away team the lead.

Heads wouldn’t drop though, as the ‘Gate responded in fine fashion. They would start to take control of possession which would lead to chances. Harrison Hatfull’s effort being the most notable of those, but the score would remain 1-0 for now.

Margate’s persistence would pay off with just under 20 minutes to go, as the left-winger Roberts would bring the ‘Gate deservedly level. A brilliant cross from Hatfull found Roberts lurking at the back post, where he would loop a header over the keeper. The Blues now had enough time to keep their momentum up and win the game.

It was seemingly one of those days for the ‘Gate, as despite being the better team throughout the second half, they would concede a second late in the game. Unwin would find a pocket in the right-hand side of the 18-yard box before proceeding to smash the ball into the bottom left corner.

A late spurt of corners would sadly lead to nothing for the ‘Gate, as they would lose despite the good performance against an impressive Cheshunt side.

Margate will now be looking towards bank holiday Monday to bounce back, as the boy's face their first derby of the season against Folkestone Invicta on the road.

Furthermore, best of wishes to Montel Agyemang who had to be stretchered off late in the game.

Goal(s)

Roberts 72’

Line-up

Seaden, Hatfull, Johnson, Agyemang (Smith 90’), Sterling, Hudson, Blackman (C), Cawley, Roberts (Duncanson 77’), Greenhalgh, Rutherford (Vasiliou 54’)

Unused sub(s)

Salmon, Mazzone

Attendance

547