Margate’s dismal run of form stretched to four consecutive losses as they lost 2-0 against Oxford City.
With both sides struggling to keep up with the playoff chase, three points for both sides were vital. Nikki Bull’s Margate side were stuck in a three game losing streak, conceding eight goals and scoring just two in the process. The Margate manager made two changes from his side’s 3-1 loss at Maidenhead the previous week, these came with the suspended Charlie Wassmer being replaced by Brett Johnson whilst Lewis Taylor also sat out with David Hunt taking his place.
Oxford headed to Thanet with a record which was even less desirable than their hosts; City had not won in their last nine, going back to the 23rd of January. They started the day just one place behind Margate in the league table as they looked to remain in the hunt for the playoffs.
Within six minutes Oxford had the first real chance of the game, after some heavy pressure from Margate a long ball fell behind the hosts’ defensive line, allowing Bradley Bubb to get in behind, but the attacker was only able to hit an effort across Chris Lewington’s goal for a goal kick.
Margate pushed on, and their pressure nearly resulted in the opening goal when Greg Cundle was able to bring the ball down well on the edge of the area before finding Matt Johnson who placed a curing effort just over.
The visitors remained dependant on the long ball, but after Connor McDonaugh was denied by Lewington, a counter attack was sparked, resulting in Danny Green hitting a volley wide from the edge of the area. With time running out in the half, both sides went on looking for a goal but ti was the hosts who offered more going forward. Oxford’s Darren Pond hit a shot which was blocked well by Brett Johnson before an impressive acrobatic attempt by Bradley Bubb was saved low by Chris Lewington.
The Oxford pressure finally resulted in the opening goal on 38 minutes when, after a spell of impressive attacking play Matt Winchelow did well to collect a loose ball in the area before putting it into his right foot and hitting a powerful shot into the roof of Lewington’s net.
The hosts began the second half on top, but they were unable to create any real goalscoring chances, Glen Wilson had a chance from the edge of the area when a corner was cleared to the defender, only for his shot to be deflected wide.
The momentum soon shifted again, and Oxford went on an attacking spell, but after Connor McDonaugh headed the ball down to Darren Pond, the City captain forced a save low to Lewington’s left.
Margate’s day got even worse when, with just over 15 minutes left, Jake Goodman heavily brought down Marlon Jackson as the substitute looked to twist a and turn past the defender. Despite protests from the home side Goodman was given a straight red card, giving the Gate a one man deficit to add to the scoreline.
The man advantage proved vital with less than ten minutes. Matty Bevans was able to outmuscle Glenn Wilson with his back to goal before doing well to turn past his marker and slide a low shot past Chris Lewington.
That loss means Margate drop to eleventh place in the National League South and their playoff hopes seem to be over, but safety is almost guaranteed thanks to the team’s run after Nikki Bull took charge. Bull’s side will now prepare for the visit of struggling Hayes and Yeading next weekend before they travel to Wealdstone.
Margate: Lewington, Wilson, N Green, M Johnson (Moore), Goodman, B Johnson, Hunt, D Green (Jolley), Ladapo, Cundle, Wills (Taylor)
Subs not used: Stuart, Phipps
Oxford City: Walker, Bevans, Stonehouse, Fleet, Henderson, King, Whichelow (Jackson (Lafuente)), Pond, Bubb, McDonaugh (Patterson), Isaac
Subs not used: Santiago, Arzumendi
Referee: Mr E Kaye
Assistants: Mr S Franklin, Mr R Bloy
Attendance: 669