MARGATE 3 HORNDEAN 2

A FIVE-GOAL thriller at Hartsdown Park concluded with hosts Margate FC progressing to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup, nudging their way past a hard-working Horndean side.

The hosts trailed their Wessex League opponents when Harry Jackson’s low cross fell perfectly to Alife Lis. Gate goalkeeper Henry Newcombe matched the initial effort but Liss was on hand to poke the rebound home.

Gate almost equalised minutes later when Jack Paxman’s drive clipped the crossbar.

The visitors had the woodwork to thank again soon after, when Frannie Collin’s powerful strike rattled the goal.

After a flurry of penalty shouts for both sides, Margate gained a deserved equaliser.

Collin stepped up with a lovely set-piece to draw the team level.

Joe Taylor put Margate ahead with a clinical curling strike into the far corner and then further extended the Blues’ lead via the penalty spot.

Having been upended, Taylor dusted himself off to cooly slot home.

The Gate were in cruise control for the rest of the half but as the tie entered its final stages, the visitors refused to exit the competition without a fight.

Jack Maloney fired home to make it a nervy final few minutes for the Bostik League side but they held on to advance.