'Gate Continue Fine Form With Tooting Truimph

Margate increased their unbeaten run to five games thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 win against Tooting and Mitcham United.

Having gone behind early, a Jordan Chiedozie brace and Sam Blackman’s first for the club was enough to secure victory, even with a late Tooting fightback.

The Blues went behind in the second minute, when Peter Wedgeworth curled a free-kick into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

However, they were level soon after though, as Blackman was fouled in the box, with Chiedozie sending the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Chiedozie had his and Margate’s second minutes later, calmly side footing home after Kane Haysman had earlier intercepted the ball on the left and squared into his path.

Tooting keeper Matt Pierson nearly punched the ball into his own goal, while Ben Swift rose highest from a free-kick to head over the bar as Margate finished the half stronger.

It was no surprise when their lead was doubled two minutes into the second half as Blackman played a smart one-two before rifling home from 15 yards.

Chiedozie nearly secured his hat-trick on the stroke of the hour, shooting narrowly over from another Haysman square ball from the left.

Juevan Spencer gave Margate a warning sign when Pidgeley saved well at his near post to keep him out.

His side didn’t have to wait long to find their way back into the match though, with Chace O’Neill bundling home from close range soon after.

Frannie Collin curled a free-kick agonisingly wide of the target for the hosts, while Michael Dixon spun on the edge of the box before shooting wide late on for Tooting, as they finished strongly.

Margate held out to secure the three points and rise to sixth in the Bostick Premier League.

MARGATE: Pidgeley, Evans, Wynter, Prescott, Friend, Swift, Haysman (Rogers 75), Blackman, Chiedozie (Sollis 90), Collin, Martin (Bodkin 45). Subs not used: Lee, Simpson.

TOOTING AND MITCHAM UNITED: Pierson, Flegg (Bassett 87), Wedgeworth, Dines, Drage, Rowe, Jones, Morgan-Griffiths, Dixon, O’Neill (Folkes 75), Spencer. Subs not used: James, Fadahunsi.

Attendance: 542

Man of the Match: Sam Blackman

More news