Tonbridge Angels (H) - 23rd July 2022

By Josh Cole

Margate are entering the latter stages of their pre-season fixtures as they take on Tonbridge Angels on Saturday at Hartsdown Park.

The Blues fell to their first defeat of pre-season, losing 3-1 to Fulham XI but Gate fans and especially Manager Andy Drury felt the score line was unfair after a valiant effort in the second half.

“I could only see us really scoring, I didn’t really fancy them (Fulham) getting their third, and I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get the second to keep us unbeaten again, but we go again Saturday” were the words from Drury regarding his sides’ performance against Fulham on Wednesday.

Tonbridge Angels compete in the National League South. Last season they finished 16th with 11 wins, 12 draws, and 17 losses.

Tonbridge Angels have a new manager going into this campaign, hiring former ‘Gate manager Jay Saunders who is tasked with steering them to a better finish this season.

Saunders left Margate on 9th May 2022 after finishing 8th in the respective league season and guided Margate to their first League Cup Final in 24 years. Former captain Ben Swift, striker Louis Collins, Fyn Rutherford, and Assistant Manager Lloyd Blackman all now reside at the Angels after all being with the ‘Gate last season.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Gates open at 1:30pm with kick-off at 3pm.

'Gate Fall To Angels Defeat

Margate were beaten 3-1 by Tonbridge Angels in their latest pre-season friendly at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors, managed by former Blues boss Jay Saunders and assistant manager Lloyd Blackman named former ‘Gate captain Ben Swift in their side, alongside former ‘Gate player Louis Collins and Fyn Rutherford on the bench.

Margate Manager Andy Drury started with a strong line-up too as both sides looked to impress with the new season just three weeks away.

It was the National League South side who got off to a better start initially as Femi Akinwande forced Ben Bridle-Card into a good save after just four minutes.

Collins, on his return to Hartsdown Park almost gave the visitors lead, however he was unable to guide the ball home, just moments before the hosts almost took the lead themselves as Captain Ben Greenhalgh hit an unstoppable free-kick goalwards which smacked off the post.

Seven minutes later and Margate struck the woodwork again as Greenhalgh delivered a superb cross for Harvey Smith who saw his header loop over the ‘keeper before smashing into the crossbar as Margate looked to pick up the pace.

Another hot day at Hartsdown Park meant the game was interrupted by drinks breaks and some late challenges as the first half rolled towards a pretty dour conclusion, however with just a minute of the first half remaining, Collins broke down the left and squared to T.Q who rolled the ball into the empty net to give the visitors a half-time lead.

The second half started much the same as the first half with several interruptions thanks to fouls and injuries, however the Angels took complete control in the 56th minute as Margate lost the ball in midfield, allowing Tonbridge to again break down the wings, with a perfect cross landing at the back post for Tom Parkinson to double the visitors lead with an easy tap in.

Plenty more substations followed as Manager Andy Drury looked to find a way back into the game, and it paid off in the 76th minute as sub Emmanuel Oluwesemo held the ball up well for James Bessey-Saldanha who smashed home an unstoppable half-volley from 25 yards to reduce the deficit to 1-2.

There was to be no comeback for the Blues though as the visitors grabbed a third in the final seven minutes as the ‘Gate failed to deal with a corner, allowing Sonny Miles to head home from close range and secure the win for Tonbridge Angels.

After the game, Manager Andy Drury says he believed that his players showed “too much respect” to Tonbridge Angels, and he would be looking for a positive reaction over the next seven days as Margate face Ashford United away on Tuesday and then host Ramsgate at Hartsdown Park next Saturday.

To listen to the full interview, click here.

MARGATE Xl: Bridle-Card, Trialist, Fisher, Knight (Hudson 56’), Ojemen (Trialist 73’), Cole, Blackman (Topley 85’), Smith (Oluwesemo 63’), McCann (Howard 63’), Greenhalgh (Oliver 89’), Bessey-Saldanha (Deslandes 78’)

Subs not used: Kallmeier

Margate Goalscorer

Bessey-Saldanha 76’

Margate Man of the Match

Taylor Fisher

Attendance

298