Margate successfully progressed to the third round of the Kent Reliance Senior Cup after beating Herne Bay 3-1 at Winch’s field in blustery conditions. 

Manager Steve Watt named a mixed side of Development players and first teamers as the Blues looked to overcome an in-form Herne Bay side.

Margate flew out of the traps and could have been two goals to the good within the opening ten minutes as Jay May and Matthew Bodkin saw chances come and go.

Margate could have easily fallen behind though on 16 minutes as the hosts tore through the visitors back line before the one on one chance was dragged inches wide by the Herne Bay striker.

A minute later and Margate were ahead after some good play down the right by Harvey Killick before the ball found its way through to Harry Stannard whose delightful dink over the keeper was enough to give the ‘Gate the lead.

Margate created further chances as they looked to extend their lead, however the home keeper firstly denied May with a fine save before the striker headed a wonderful Connor Miller cross just wide.

Margate were punished minutes after those misses as Herne Bay again broke through the back line and slammed an equaliser past the stranded Stan Waller in goal and that is how it remained until the end of the first half.

Herne Bay should have gone ahead in the 47th minute as a cross to the back post was somehow nodded wide from six yards.

For as dangerous as Herne Bay looked attacking wise when they come forward, Margate were ruthless when given an opportunity as Stannard smashed home from 20 yards out on the half volley to put the Blues back ahead.

Margate had the game out of sight in the 70th minute as Captain on the evening Liam Friend rose highest from a corner to slam a header home to make it 3-1.

Stannard and Margate missed an opportunity to put the cherry on the cake in the final minutes as e dragged an effort wide from eight yards out at the back post.

HERNE BAY: Budd, Catmull, Fairweather-Oates,  Rumbol, Richardson, Wisson, Carlton, Mulrooney-Skinner , Trespaderne  Hatfull.

 
MARGATE:  Waller, Killick, Conteh, Miller (Ikeije), Friend (Fitchett), Swift, Bodkin, Evans, May (Jones) O’Halloran, Stannard

Subs Not Used: Lawlor, Bray