Corinthian Casuals (H) - 4th March 2023

Margate welcome relegation threatened Corinthian Casuals to Hartsdown Park on Saturday, knowing that a win for themselves would assist them in their own battle to avoid the drop.

Reece Prestedge’s side moved on to 34 points last weekend after a fantastic 0-0 draw away at 4th placed Enfield Town, whilst the Casuals earnt themselves a valuable 0-0 draw at home to Canvey Island, however they still remain ten points from safety with nine games to play.

Prestedge will be able to call upon midfielder Sam Blackman again after he served his two game suspension, however Emanuel Oke will be missing as he serves the second of his three game ban.

When the two sides met in October it was the ‘Gate that took home all three points after a tight encounter at the home of Leatherhead after storm damage prevented the hosts from playing at their own ground. It was a Ben Greenhalgh penalty that settled the game that was much needed for the Blues.

Historically, Margate usually enjoy playing the Casuals having only lost once in their previous six meetings. The Blues especially enjoy playing at Hartsdown Park against Saturday’s opposition having won twice and drawn once in the last three meetings at home, and scoring ten goals in the process.

A win for Margate, and other results going their way could see the Blues jump to 15th in the table and potentially 13 points from the drop zone.

Kick-off at Hartsdown Park is 3pm, but as always if you can’t be there then you can follow our Twitter updates from 2:15pm on our official Twitter @margate_fc.

Blues Beat Casuals To Ease Relegation Fears

Margate moved 13 points clear of the Isthmian Premier Division relegation zone after a 2-0 win over Corinthian Casuals at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

Reece Prestedge gave a first start to Ruben Soares-Junior, whilst also welcoming back midfielder Sam Blackman after he completed a two game suspension.

Margate took their time to get going as Casuals started on the front foot with Sahid Kamara racing through, only for the striker to try and round Dan Jinadu who superbly thwarted the striker. Casuals continued to dominate the opening stages as the Blues repelled the visitor’s chances.

Mack Reilly was the next to put the Blues under pressure as Margate continued to struggle in a tough opening thirty minutes.

Margate had to wait until the 43rd for their first opportunity as Soares-Junior hit a fierce effort which was well saved by Callum Coulter in the visitor’s goal.

After a frustrating first half, the Blues started much brighter with Harrison Hatfull fizzing a ball into Phil Roberts who couldn’t convert the ball home.

In the 67th minute Margate took the lead with a well worked goal as Hatfull delivered a low cross into the box, which was turned home by Soares-Junior for his first goal in a ‘Gate shirt.

With the opening goal giving the ‘Gate confidence to play freely, they looked to build on their lead which was assisted as the visitors were reduced to ten men in the final minutes after Simba Kuwyiwa was sent off for a late challenge on Hatfull.

Margate secured the points in the final seconds as a Ben Greenhalgh wonder free-kick hit the cross-bar before then rebounding to Sam Blackman who nodded home for the 2-0 victory.

MARGATE Xl: Jinadu, Hatfull, Fisher (Barton 46’), Hudson, Cole (Kasim 62’), Blackman, Roberts, Wood, Greenhalgh, Ojemen, Soares-Junior (Macarthur 81’)

Subs not used: Christie, Smith

Margate Goal scorer’s

Ruben Soares-Junior 67’

Sam Blackman 90’

Margate Man of the Match

Harrison Hatfull

Attendance

361