It was the visitors that edged this closely fought encounter, by the single goal, after substitute Jamie Omoragbon rounded the Angels static defence before blasting into a gaping net.

Tonbridge began the match with a near full-strength line-up, making only a few changes in personnel from the side that comfortably dispatched Sutton United exactly one week ago. Leroy Huggins, Mike Cramp and Ian Parkes all came into the starting eleven as did John Beales, returning from holiday, and new signing Warren Haughton.

Both sides found it immensely difficult to find their feet in the opening quarter of an hour, which meant that chances were at an absolute premium. Indeed, it wasn’t until the 19th minute that the first real opening was carved out. It eventually came the way of the visitors with former Gravesend skipper Pat Gradley at the end of a neat through ball from veteran Bill Edwards. The midfielder saw his shot easily dealt with by the impressive Jerome John, diving down to his left. The only other effort of note in the opening period came the way of Gradley once again, but this time blazed his opportunity over the crossbar. The home side did have several half chances towards the interval but neither Tony Dolby nor Jay May could find the back of the net.

Tonbridge thought they had broken the deadlock on the hour mark as Leroy Huggins stooped low to head a decent cross from partner Haughton. However, he was unable to generate enough power as Charlie Mitten saved with ease. Haughton was the next to test the visiting keeper as his overhead kick was the only highlight before Margate counter-attacked abd snatched an undeserved winner just 8 minutes before full-time. Trialist Jamie Omoragbon found himself on the end of a decent flowing move involving Danny Chapman and the lively Gradley, before rounding Czechslovakian Michel Czanner to kick off Margate’s pre-season campaign with a victory.

Report by: Gary Cornwell

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