Ryman Premier
East Thurrock United 1 v 1 Margate
HONOURS were deservedly even in this pulsating Ryman Premier clash which was illuminated by two second half goals in the space of five minutes.
Table-topping Margate made a bright start without creating a real chance and the first strike of note came at the other end on ten minutes when Reece Harris’s shot was blocked, then Dave Bryant fired across the face of goal.
A superb set piece almost brought a goal for the Rocks a minute later. Ben Wood, whose switch to a holding playmaker role in midfield proved inspirational, picked out Tom Stephen in a wide position and his first time touch teed up Mitchell Gilbey who will have been disappointed to see his volley clip the outside of the post.
Margate responded with a sustained spell of pressure and their travelling fans were celebrating what looked to be a certain goal when Jamie Taylor latched onto a poor defensive header to go through on goal with just keeper David Hughes to beat inside the box. He slipped the ball past Hughes and was wheeling away to the cheers of the fans who were silenced when somehow the ball dribbled wide of the upright.
The wood work was involved moments later when a thunderous effort by Charlie Allen cannoned off the bar. The rebound fell to Taylor, who had an open goal but he was unable to get his shot on target.
East Thurrock finished the second half as the side on top and Sam Higgins was twice denied keeper Nikki Bull, with one stop on 33 minutes a real cracker when he got down instinctively to save a low shot with one hand.
Rocks returned from the break and continued their good spell of possession as they looked for the opening goal and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 60th minute when Higgins pounced onto a poor headed back pass and lobbed keeper Bull from close range to take the lead.
Margate responded five minutes later when Hughes failed to gather a cross and the ball pin-balled around the box before substitute Luke Moore crashed home a volley from its edge.
Both sides fought hard for a winner in a match that entertained right to the end, though further real opportunities were limited. Rocks thought they should have had a penalty when the ball was clearly handled in the box but afterwards ref Graham Kane said though he saw it, he didn’t believe the act was intentional. Moments later he awarded a free kick for a handball against Wood when the ball bounced up against his arm – a contradiction that baffled many but it would be churlish not to acknowledge an otherwise fine game by the official who helped make the match a memorable one.
