Joyous Noel the winner for Gate

MARGATE 1 MERSTHAM 0

By Charlotte Richardson MARGATE extended their impressive form with an impressive win over playoff chasing Merstham.

The conditions did not disrupt an entertaining contest between two good footballing sides who were ultimately separated by a goal from Gate number nine, Noel Leighton.

During an even opening period, clear-cut opportunities were fewand-far-between until the deadlock was broken on 43 minutes when Leighton glanced home George Brown’s delightful pinpoint cross.

Gate keeper Louis Wells got an important touch to force Fabio Saraiva’s thunderbolt strike over the bar just before the break.

Margate could have doubled their lead after the break when Jack Paxman fed Tobi Sho Silva.

Silva’s effort was blocked by Moatsiders keeper Amadou Tangara and with the goal at his mercy, Leighton headed the ball over.

Merstham now threw everything into the match and almost secured an equaliser when RomanPercil struck from 30 yards out, his effort striking the inside of the post before going across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.

Gate displayed great discipline and determination to see out the game and frustrate a Merstham outfit who went home from Kent empty handed. STAR MAN: Noel Leighton (Merstham) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★