'Gate Progress in Velocity Trophy

Margate progressed into the Fourth Round of the Velocity Trophy after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Herne Bay on Tuesday evening at Hartsdown Park.

Second half goals from James Bessey-Saldanha and Vance Bola earned the ‘Gate the win which sees them progress, however they had to defend resolutely in the final stages as the visitors showed attacking threat until he final whistle.

It was the hosts that started brighter with Bessey-Saldanha and Ken Feyi saw efforts saved by Lucas Hanley in the visitor’s goal. The Bay began to find their feet as Jack Parter and Zak Ansah fired their own efforts goalwards in a tight and tense first half.

It was the visitors who had the best chance of the first half in the 37th minute as again Parter found space before seeing his delightful effort pushed wide of the post by Billy Johnson in the Margate goal.

The hosts introduced Ben Greenhalgh at half-time and saw a quick improvement as they took the lead in the 51st minute as Benas Vaivada found space out wide before finding Bessey-Saldanha in the box who calmly slotted the hosts in front.

1-0 was soon to become 2-0 as Margate continued their dominant start to the second half as Bessey-Saldanha turned provider as his mazy run into the box saw him square the ball to Vance Bola to double the ‘Gate’s lead.

Substitutes seemed to be playing their part and Herne Bay introduced their own as Bode Anidugbe curled a beautiful effort past Johnson to make it 2-1 just 60 seconds after entering the field of play. The visitor’s tails were up and former Ramsgate striker Aaron Millbank thought he had equalised in the 74th minute, however his effort curled narrowly wide of Johnson’s post.

There was still time for drama and Herne Bay pressure as firstly former ‘Gate defender Dan Johnson rose highest in the box but saw his header go over before in the dying moments the visitors had their best chance to level as Parter’s shot beat Johnson only for Captain Ben Swift to be alert and clear the ball off the line at the last second.

Margate held out for the win and progress to Round Four where they will entertain Isthmian South Central side Tooting & Mitcham who overcome Binfield in their Third Round fixture.

The tie will be played at Hartsdown Park; however, no date has yet been arranged.

MARGATE: Johnson, Lema, Nzinga, Agyemang, Knight, Swift, Vaivada, Hatfull, Feyi (Greenalgh 46’), Bola (Rutherford 83’), Bessey Saldanha

Subs not used: Kallmeier, Blackman, Lamb

Margate Goalscorer’s

Bessey-Saldanha 51’

Bola 58’

Margate Player of the Match

James Bessey-Saldanha

Attendance

325

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