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Terrors paid the price for failing
to convert a string of first half chances as Margate
eased their own relegation worries with a goal at
either end of the second period.
Matt York replaced the injured
McLeod in the starting line up as the home side
enjoyed the lions share of possession. It was
not until ten minutes had elapsed before Tootings
first serious attack when Michail Antonio broke
through to make space for a shot that was easily
covered by Mullen.
This was the pattern of the half.
The home side continued to press, urged on by the
tireless Wilson, but failed to make any impression on
the Tooting rearguard (Dave King had to make just two
regulation stops in the period), with Colin Hartburn particularly
catching the eye. Meanwhile, the 'Gate defence
had no idea of how to deal with Antonio, at times
resorting to somewhat agricultural tactics, as Tooting
launched raid after raid.
A powerful Antonio shot on twelve
minutes was palmed away by Mullin who, a minute later,
also tipped over a header from the same player
following a Howell cross. Aaron Goode made a rare
appearance in the opposition area, finding himself
with space for a shot, which was duly shot into space!
Nineteen minutes and a goal line
juggling act kept Vines off the score sheet.
Four minutes later another Antonio effort was pushed
away by the diving keeper. Perhaps the best
chance of all fell to Paul Vines four minutes before
the break, but Mullen was again able to maintain
parity. Still time though for Antonio to break
away again, this time finding the side netting.
Half Time: 0-0
Tooting were slow out of the blocks
after the restart, giving away an early free kick
which was only cleared as far as Wilson, who let fly
with a fine shot from distance that sailed over King
into the top corner of the net.
Terrors responded immediately,
forcing two corners in quick succession.
However, having secured the lead, the home side could
afford to play deeper, with the result that Vines and
Antonio could no longer make the space to run at the
defence. The home side were looking far more
dangerous as the visitors pushed for an equaliser, but
Dave King was able to keep the game alive thanks to a
couple of fine saves.
Twenty minutes from the end
Pitterson and Watts replaced York and Pinnock, to give
the attack width, as Terrors continued to press
forward. Watts at last had the chance to demonstrate
his crossing ability, but there was only one serious
chance created from it when he supplied Pitterson, who
sliced his shot wide.
The persistent threat of Ryan Peters
finally materialised two minutes from time when he
eluded the defence and slid the ball past King.
Just time for another Antonio shot, but by then the result
was sealed.
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