Tonbridge game

[Chris1]

A hard-fought win against a battling side. Class showed and the result was the right one, even if the winning goal was a bit flukey.

 

As expected, utility man Saunders stood in for Hockton up front, with Abbott returning on the right wing.

 

Tonbridge were dead scared of us at the start, and really it was only a matter of time until the first gate goal, a lovely overhead from Saunders.

 

Angels equalised against the run of play with a Hockton-style goal from Main, who pressurised Sappleton and Mitten into a misunderstanding. I thought Charlie should have come for it sooner.

 

The equaliser gave Tonbridge a boost, and they pressurised us a bit more.

 

Abbo’s goal from 45 yards was assisted by poor keeping, but was certainly memorable.

 

Smith was involved in a clash of heads, and did not appear after half-time, replaced by Greg.

 

Most of the second half was slow patient build-ups by Gate, without finding the target, punctuated by a few dangerous counter attacks. Charlie saved a couple of times and Main headed over.

 

However the last 10 minutes was nearly all Margate, with Pinns going close when nicely set up by Jacko, and then best chance of the match when Jacko headed over from 1 yard.

 

Overall we fought well, and I heard Tonbridge supporters saying we wanted it more than they did, which is pleasing when you are playing one of the top teams. Our approach is the right one, but of course there is a danger of picking up bookings, of which we got 2 today, including Pat Sap, picking up his third in 3.

 

Let’s hope Danny gets fit before Sap is suspended, so Jay can cover for us at the back.

 

Man of the match is a tough one. Protheroe was as masterful as ever in the midfield, Pinns worked hard without reward, Sap was sound apart from the card. I might just go for Jacko, who hardly put a foot wrong.

 

The travelling support was magnificent today.

 

A nice stadium and one of the best programmes I have seen in the Ryman; very professional looking.

 

A final thought: I don’t know what SCS has done wrong, BUT (with no disrespect to Charlie as everyone has said on another thread) I would feel more confident with him between the sticks.

[TonyM]

Nice report Chris,thank-you.

[seasidesteve]

great report as ever thanks

[Margate Martian]

just got back. great result for us! played well first half and deservered the lead. should have been 2-0 really. second half a bit more even but could have scored a few more. what a good run were on!!!

 

come on the gate!!!!!

[AncientBlue]

Another great win and the Redskins could only manage a draw, means WE ARE TOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wellsie]

from one fan on their forum. Makes you pleased to be a Gate fan with this kind of feedback.

 

"Sometimes you have to hold your hands up. I agree with some of the points you make there Newrymaner and certainly things could have been different. There was a handball in the build up to their first goal, the second was obviously lucky and did catch the wind perfectly to loop over Kerr (by the way, "One of many mistakes this season" is a bit uncharitable. He has made mistakes but he's also tunred in some brilliant performances), plus Main's miss in the second half wasa shocker (and now it's my turn to be uncharitable - Main is a great goalscorer, so why does he sometimes miss such f****** easy chances? Not to say I'd rather have anyone else leading the line, cos I wouldn't. But he'res the bottom line and where I disagree with what you say....in my view we did not deserve to beat margate nor did we look capable of doing so. That's partly because for some reason we decided to play a long ball game for much of the 90 mins, even though Margate had shown it was perfectly possible to play a passing game in those conditions...but it was also because margate were a f****** amazingly good team. I can now see why they won 3-1 at Bromley. Their technque and movement off the ball was a joy to watch. It was one of the few times I've not been totally gutted watching us lose - because they were just fantastic. Simple as that."

 

I LOVE THIS SEASON!

[Chris1]

Thanks Wellsie: love it!

[MFC Forever]

A very good, enjoyable game. I thought Abbott played well today, and Pinnock once again didn't stop running. Both Margate goals were great to watch in their own way. There was some great passing football, especially in the first half. But I do think that SCS now deserves to get back into the starting eleven on Tuesday after Mitten's mistake today. Overall, as others said, a great win!

[blueryan10]

A great hard fought win today. I think sappleton,Abbott,Mckimm and Saunders were fantastic. I think we deserved our victory, great passing and lots of hard work and running from all of the lads. lets keep it going on tuesday with a win over staines

Up the GATE

[MargateFan]

I enjoyed the game, I would have thought good passing football on a bog was well-nigh impossible, but our lads did it to perfection.

Really glad to see Abbo playing so well, and also good to see Greg back on the pitch.

Jay's goal was beautiful, but the build-up to it and the moves that created it also exceptional.

Tonbridge not a bad side, pacy and quick, but young. They will be fine this season, and will win quite a few games on the way.

I think Abbo meant that lob, and it was a beautiful sight to see it fly into the sky, and then fall gracefully over the keeper to nestle into the net. It is right up there with Trego's as a fabulous freak.

Midfield bossed the game again, and the Trotty/Sappleton pairing is working really well.

Fine day out - even the clouds parted for the duration of the game to let the sun shine through on our fine amber lads.

[Cookie]

Since Pat has arrived I think Trotty has found a new lease of life.Since Pat came Trotty has been nigh on faultless at the back. Pat too has performed very well.Still more to come from him too I reckon. Great partnership to have. Just cut down on the yellows Pat but then would you be the same player? I doubt it!

If both of them keep doing what you are doing now then the future looks bright.

[margateshot]

The length of the grass also made in difficult to pass, it was more like a rugby pitch. Also very wet as a couple of times there were splashes when the ball hiot the puddles.

[margateshot]

Was there a collection for the flag today? I did not see anybody.

[ButlerMFC]

No there was no collection today I shall be doing one on Tuesday if anybody is interested in helping to fund a good cause. Thanks to Cookie who came straight up to me and slapped £20 in my pocket. thanks again. Dan

[Gate Watcher]

On a difficult playing surface the lads did us proud again. Some great football played. Delicate touches and great movement that outclassed Tonbridge in all departments for most of the game. Great first goal too. Build up was superb, header across goal by Jimmy and Jay's finish was excellent. Pinns worked so hard with his clever movement and tireless running. Macca, Jay and Proths ran the show in the middle. Jacko and Abbo worked hard and were clever with their movement out wide. At the back we looked solid for the most part. Charlie worries me at times though he did make a good save to deny Main. Scott definitely deserves to regain his place for the next game. Another great showing from the Gate. A fantastic week for us. Five league wins in a row, very impressive. If we can keep this going and keep doing what we're doing we can pull away.

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" />

[Bitch]

Hi Guys and Gals, sorry for the delay in a response to yesterday's game, but my mouse died and i've been in mourning until i could buy a new one which i now lurve and i'm over the old one! Fickle Bitch <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

 

Very fair assessment of the game thankyou Chris1 on here and Cookie on the Isth. I don't believe we were ever scared of you. I think we went for it from the off, but you were better. You take chances and score. We don't always. Apart from that, great game to watch - thank you <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[tonbridgefan]

Well done on your victory yesterday guys. One of the freakiest lukiest Goals I have ever seen in modern day football but hey you won and that's the end of it. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I made alot of dollar on you too so... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Thought you missed Hockton alot .. you didn't look as impressive as Tuesday aginst Bromley, but I guess the pitch played a part in that.

Good luck for rest of season. I hope so I have a big bet on you to win or come top 3! ;D

[Bitch]

As to 'that goal' it's just one of those you could only watch go in......it was fated! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> As to DH - you had plenty of others that were most certainly not goal shy! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applaus.gif" alt="" />

[seasidesteve]

sorry about your mouse did you get the new one fron pc world

[BlueGate Alan]

All I can say about the performance yesterday in such difficult conditions is "SUPERB LADS"

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" />