Gate Survive Late Penalty Drama - Margate vs. Canvey Island

Snow and standing water at Hartsdown Park

Once again, the weather meant that a lot of games were called off and I was forced out to the coast again to see a game. Earlier in the season I made the same journey only for the game to be called off an hour before kick off but I felt more confident this time. Margate were hosting Canvey Island in the Ryman Premier League and both sides needed the points to improve their chances of finishing in the play offs. Before kick off, Canvey were in the final play off spot, one place and one point above Margate who also had a game in hand. I visited Canvey's Prospects Stadium in one of my first seasons of watching non league football for a Ryman League game against Tooting and Mitcham.

Kick off at Hartsdown Park

Canvey make a dream start as they take the lead within five minutes. Following neat build up play the ball is played in to the box and the striker tucks the ball home. The visitors go two up shortly afterwards with another close range finish. They almost go further ahead but the cross bar saves following a free kick from just outside the box. Margate finally get a shot on target but it is a tame effort which the keeper easily deals with. They do get back in to the game with a finish from close range following a good passing move.

The Margate keeper watches the free kick on to the bar

Margate almost equalise a few moments in to the second half but the effort from just outside the box smashes in to the snow behind the goal. Margate dominate possession but they fail to carve out any clear cut opportunities. Canvey have a great chance to seal the win when the player is played through but the keeper is able to save. With little time left, Margate win a free kick on the half way line and push everyone forward and the ball is played in to the area where the referee notices a push and gives Margate a penalty! The penalty is duly dispatched to complete the comeback. But there is still more action to come. Canvey get the ball forward and create a one on one chance and the striker takes a heavy touch and there is a coming together between the striker and the keeper and the linesman signals for a penalty! The Margate keeper guesses correctly to save a deserved point for the home side.

Margate fans congregate behind the goal for the second half

Fast trains to Margate depart from St Pancras every hour and the journey takes around an hour and a half. Slower trains depart from Victoria and the trip lasts the best part of two hours. Hartsdown Park is a brisk twenty minute walk from the station. In the opposite direction to the ground is The Northern Bell which is a great pub which serves a couple of ales and is popular with visiting fans. While I was waiting for the train home I popped in to The Shakespeare where you can enjoy a pint while looking out to sea. The clubhouse is quite big and has lots of serving staff which is good. Unfortunately, you can not buy a pie at the ground as they don't sell.

The programme is full colour and is very glossy. The detailed match reports are impressive and there is plenty of reading for the long trip home!

View from the back of the terrace