Isthmian League round-up: Margate manager Mark Stimson enjoys first victory in 301 days | Ramsgate and Cray Valley both win
20:28, 17 February 2024
Mark Stimson’s long wait for a league win is finally over after Margate beat Canvey Island 3-2 in Isthmian Premier.
Not only was it a first victory for Margate in 19 games, but it was also manager Stimson’s first win for 301 days since Hornchurch beat Kingstonian last April - a run that included a spell in charge of Grays Athletic earlier this season.
Margate were indebted to Ben Greenhalgh, who scored a first-half hat-trick at Hartsdown Park - his first goals since November.
Canvey had led through Lance Atkins’ header early on and Bradley Sach made it 3-2 early in the second half before substitute Elliot Ronto hit the woodwork for the visitors with 15 minutes left.
The three points also moved Margate out of the relegation zone and above Cheshunt, who are now in the bottom four following a 1-0 home reverse to Cray Wanderers.
Yahaya Bamba scored the only goal of the game for the visitors with seven minutes left.
Three goals in the last 11 minutes handed second-placed Chatham a 3-0 win at Lewes.
Jordy Robins put the visitors ahead before two goals in stoppage time from Jamie Yila, taking his tally for the campaign to 14, wrapped up the points.
After a goalless first half, Folkestone let slip a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Whitehawk.
Eddie Allsopp and a David Smith penalty put Invicta in charge but Charlie Walker scored a 20-minute hat-trick, including a 90th-minute winner from the penalty spot.
Isthmian Premier table
It’s as you were at the top of Isthmian South East with Cray Valley and leaders Ramsgate both winning.
A crowd of 1,337 took advantage of a free entry for all offer at Southwood as Ramsgate left it late to defeat Broadbridge Heath.
Alife Paxman scored the winner with six minutes left while former Tonbridge man Joe Turner got through 90 minutes on his debut.
In contrast, 177 watched Cray Valley overcome East Grinstead 4-1. Steve McKimm’s men led through Michael Ademiluyi and second-half goals by Matty Vigor, Denzel Gayle and Danny Waldren wrapped up the win.
Third-placed Sittingbourne’s seven-match winning run came to an abrupt end as they went down 3-0 at home to Chichester.
Michael Salako continued his goalscoring form with a first-half brace for Herne Bay in a 3-2 win over lowly Beckenham.
But it was a first Bay goal for Scott Heard in the second half that proved the match-winner after goals from Alfie Bloomfield and Steven Townsend ensured the teams went in level at the break.
Sheppey’s trip to Horndean was postponed while Sevenoaks eased to a 3-0 home win over Erith & Belvedere courtesy of Daniel Carr’s brace and Kieron Cadogan.
Two goals in the last 10 minutes from Johan Caney-Bryan handed Hythe a 2-1 win at Burgess Hill, who led at the break through Kieran Rowe.
Isthmian South East table
Ashford let a two-goal lead slip as they were held 2-2 at Merstham.
Vance Bola and Jordan Abobia scored for the visitors but Oliver Khinda and Abel Vendrells scored in the space of seven minutes midway through the second half.
Phoenix Sports remain just a point outside the drop zone after going down 4-2 at Lancing, Daniel Duncanson and Denzelle Olopade scored for Steve O’Boyle’s men.
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