All of the action from yesterday’s friendlies
THE Isle of Thanet Cup remained at Hartsdown Park after a five-goal thriller went the way of the hosts.
It was the visitors who started the game the brighter and took the lead in the opening minute. Tom Chapman ruthlessly capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot the ball home.
The hosts responded well, equalising just minutes later with Connor Evans in the right place at the right time to follow up a spilled Noel Leighton strike. The first half continued at a good tempo with the added edge of the local rivalry ensuring there was plenty of end to end action for supporters to savour after five months away from HDP.
Margate came out for the second half fired up and produced a string of chances to force Ramsgate keeper Brannon Daly into some smart saves.
After his goal earlier in the game, Evans put Margate ahead combining well with team-mate Leighton to coolly chip the threaded pass into the six-yard box over the onrushing Daly.
The hosts added to their advantage courtesy of Reece Prestedge, whose professional performance at the heart of the Margate midfield was rewarded with a goal. A sublime volley flew through a sea of bodies in the box and into the back of the net.
The Rams fought for a way back into the game and got one through a fine finish from Ashley Miller, whose effort from distance found the top-left corner. Margate saw out the game to claim bragging rights in Kent for another season. STAR MAN: Reece Prestedge
(Margate) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★