Some clinical finishing and a wonder run from one penalty area to the other saw Isthmian Premier Margate win 3-0 at Hartsdown Park to progress past Cray into the semi-final of the DFDS Kent Senior Cup.

Both teams took the opportunity to give some valuable game time and experience to some of their younger players. For Cray, Bennett J, Medhurst, Alhassan and Edionhon-Silvera all started. There were also three U18's on the bench getting their first close up view of first team football and pleasing to see one of those, Johnathan Lawson come on for the last twenty minutes or so and enjoying a few moments as he utilised his pace down the right flank to good effect.

It was an open start to the game with both defences called into action to restrict any real clear cut chances although for Cray Edionhon-Silvera saw a couple of half chances come and go. In the 44th minute the game sparked into life as Taylor Fisher picked up the ball out wide on the edge of the Margate penalty area and proceeded to run nearly the full length of the pitch, weaving in and out of tackles before slotting the ball home into the far corner. A contender for goal of the season.

Just after the hour mark Margate doubled their lead, Bessey-Salanha who had only just come on as a substitute collected the pass from Fisher and composed himself before firing past Bennett in goal. Margate secured their place in the last four with ten minutes to play when an excellent Greenhaigh cross fell to Fisher at the back post to score his second and Margate's third.

Margate keeper Jinadur was called into action late on saving from Coombes as Cray sought a consolation goal. Some positives for Cray but the winless run continues.

MAN OF THE MATCH: TAYLOR FISHER (MARGATE)

MARGATE: Jinadu, Hatfull, Fisher, Hudson, Cole (Adams 81), Smith, Young (Bessey-Saldanha 63), Ojämna, McCarthy, Sutcliffe (Greenhaigh 72), Knott. Substitutes not used: Marsh, Jobe
Cautions: None

MILLERS: Bennett J, Chambers, Oshilaja, Tumkaya, Commbes, Medhurst, Ediohon-Sivera (Lawson 66), Alhassan (Black 66), Bennett D, Ibrahim, Adeyemo. Substitutes not used: Abilola, Gilchrist
Cautions: None

Referee: Jack Packman
Assistants: Ryan Chantrill-Smith and William Sanderson

Main Photo: First half behind the goal view from my iPhone.

Match photo album: Courtesy of Kevin Oakley - Oakley Photosport - official photographer for Margate FC.
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/photos/margate-v-millers-kent-senior-cup-photos-kevin-oakley-1051418.html