GABRIEL IS BORO SAVIOUR
Late header earns the points
WHAT a result and performance after last week’s defeat Margate were aided by three signings during the week to bolster their squad.
As for Haringey Borough they were looking to bounce back after last week’s disappointing defeat - their first in 14 league matches.
Boro started very brightly with Karl Akinwande & Joel Nouble linking up several times down the right and Michael O’Donoughue & Anthony McDonald combining down the left.
In the 28th minute Boro’s George Aresti was sent off for violent conduct
Even with ten players, the link up play & movement between the Boro front men was causing Margate problems but they were able to deal with the constant waves of attacks as Boro were unable to create a clear opening prior to half time
Margate were much improved in the second half however they struggled to contain the Boro who came
out showing the greater urgency with Nouble & Scott Durojaye starting to become more influential .
Nouble’s cross pass found the full back Lionel Stone in the penalty area and his first effort was well saved by Margate keeper Louis Wells
A interchangea between Nouble & Durajoye in the middle of the pitch saw Nouble make a mazy run with the ball which took him past several Margate players and his left footed effort trickled just past the post
Boro were sensing they could get a win and Akinwande was running beyond the Margate defence when he was hauled down by Margate’s Ben Swift as he looked clean through but nothing was given.
Margate were defending with grit & tenacity and as the game wore on they began to exert a greater attacking threat as well.
Boro were really on top as they had a succession of corners and in the 87th minute an inswinging corner from McDonald saw Ralston Gabriel leap above the Margate defence to head home to make it 1-0 to Boro
Margate did attack in the final few minutes but their one corner at the death was overhit at the back post and the referee then blew for the final whiste.
This result was the same scoreline back in September when Boro won away and so the double was completed by the hosts. STAR MAN: Joel Nouble (Haringey) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★