Margate make their point at Hastings

DESPITE coming away from Hastings United with a 1-1 draw yesterday, Margate remain in the Ryman Premier League relegation zone. 

Defender Luke Wheatley scored his second goal of the season for the Blues, who fielded long-throw specialist Aaron Lacy, who has signed for the club through to the end of the season from Maidstone United.

Margate had to do without the services of suspended pair Ryan Peters and Curtis Robinson as well as the injured pair Roberto Corbishley and Kieran Morris.

Given those personnel issues, and the fact that Tony Dolby’s Hastings began the day four places, four points and two games better than the Blues, a point can be regarded as a good day’s work.

Hastings, meanwhile, featured new signing Lee Carey, who made the switch from Horsham earlier in the week.

Although the pitch was playable, the weather conditions ensured a boggy surface, which hampered the Blues style of play.

But the visitors took the lead on nineteen minute when Wheatley headed home Wayne Wilson’s free-kick.

However, just after the half-hour mark, Hastings equalised through a messy goal. The ball spun up, Liam Harwood, for once, was unable to get to the ball to clear the danger and Hastings’ skipper Rhys Whyborne was able to get a foot in and steer the ball into the net.

The home side were dominant in the second period and Margate were indebted to keeper Pat Mullin, who produced another excellent display between the sticks.

Reflecting on the game, Margate secretary Ken Tomlinson, was pleased with the battling qualities from the side.

“It wasn’t a great game and we had our backs to the wall in the second half,” Mr Tomlinson told www.margate-fc.com.

“But these are the games we were losing earlier in the season.”

Article courtesy of www.margate-fc.com