Ashford United (A) - 26th July 2022

By Josh Cole

Margate take on Ashford United at the Homelands Stadium in the Gates’ first away game of the 2022/23 season on Tuesday evening, as they continue to prepare for their league opener against Kingstonian on Saturday 13th August 2022.

Margate are looking to bounce back at Ashford as they come into the game off the back of a 3-1 loss to Tonbridge Angels at Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

Andy Drury was left frustrated with his squad’s attitude and performance against Tonbridge Angels on Saturday. “It was a frustrating afternoon, compared to what we’ve been like the last few games. The last few games we’ve performed well, we’ve been at it, I thought we showed them a bit too much respect, certainly in the first 15-20 minutes”

Drury, however, was full of praise for Bessey-Saldanha and his exquisite finish that resembled one of his own during his own playing career. “Probably like one of mine, yeah it was a good finish from Bessey, he took his goal well”

Ashford had an excellent 2021/22 season finishing second in the Isthmian South East Division with 72 points with 22 wins, six draws, and ten losses. They didn’t get promoted however after losing 2-0 against Herne Bay in the play-off final.

Ashford’s pre-season results look like this: 4-3 loss to Potters Bar Town, a 3-0 win against Eastbourne United, a 1-1 draw with Kennington FC, a 0-0 draw with Rochester United, and then a 1-0 loss to Erith Town.

Supporters are able to purchase tickets on the turnstiles at Homelands, with kick-off at 7:45pm, or alternatively can buy in advance by clicking here.

For those making the journey by car, please see the full address below.

Homelands Stadium

Ashford Road, Kingsnorth

Ashford

Kent

TN26 1NJ

'Gate Return To Winning Ways

Margate returned to winning ways on Tuesday evening as they overcome Ashford United 1-0 at the Homelands Stadium in their latest pre-season friendly.

Manager Andy Drury again mixed his side up as he continues to build the fitness of the squad ahead of the league opener against Kingstonian on Saturday 13th August.

Margate were looking to bounce back after two defeats on the bounce, and started brightly against last season’s Isthmian South-east Division runners up, as Adam Topley skimmed the post with a long range effort.

Ashford created their first chance just moments later as Johan Ter Horst raced through one on one with Bridle-Card who stood tall to falter the United striker.

As the half rolled towards a dour ending, the ‘Gate had Taylor Fisher to thank for going in level as he recovered quickly to clear an Ashford effort off the line as the two sides went in with honours even after an even opening 45 minutes.

It seemed the Nuts & Bolts were starting the second half as they finished the first, after a miscommunication in the Blues back-line allowed another effort from the hosts to fired goalwards, only for Bridle-Card to tip onto the crossbar.

That seemed to be the wakeup call that Margate needed, and they took the lead in the 53rd minute after some fine hold up play from Emmanuel Oluwasemo, fed the ball through to Montrell Deslandes who coolly slotted home to give the ‘Gate the lead.

Margate’s superior fitness was starting to show as they began to dominate proceeding with Oluwasemo and Kieron McCann in particular picking up the pace as Margate went in search of a second.

The Blues never got their second on the night, however they were almost gifted one seven minutes from time as a wild swipe from an Ashford defender was heading goalwards, only for Joe Carey in the hosts goal to be alert and divert the ball away.

Margate held on for the win, and now prepare to face local rivals Ramsgate in the Isle of Thanet Cup on Saturday at Hartsdown Park, with kick-off at 3pm.

Tickets for this game can be purchased by clicking here.

MARGATE Xl: Bridle-Card, Trialist (Fisher 39’), Topley, Knight (Greenhalgh 71’), Hudson, Bessey-Saldanha (Trialist 71’), McCann (Blackman 75’), Ojemen, Oluwasemo, Howard, Deslandes (Smith 79’)

Subs not used: Kallmeier,

Man of the Match

Adam Topley

Margate Goal scorer

Montrell Deslandes 53’

Attendance

200