Margate manager Reece Prestedge on his side’s 2-2 draw with Folkestone Invicta in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
05:00, 17 September 2023
Reece Prestedge had mixed feelings after Margate forced a late replay against Folkestone in the FA Cup.
Antonis Vasiliou scored a 94th-minute equaliser as Saturday’s Second Qualifying Round tie at Hartsdown Park ended 2-2.
Gate boss Prestedge was pleased to get another chance but felt they should have made more of playing against 10 men for the majority of the second half after Invicta left-back Ryan Khanye’s red card.
Margate were a goal down when Khanye picked up a second yellow card in the 56th minute and while Steve Cawley equalised, the hosts trailed again when Ira Jackson struck with time running out.
Vasiliou salvaged a draw, with the replay taking place at Cheriton Road on Tuesday.
“It was a good game of football,” said Prestedge.
“But I’m a little bit disappointed we didn’t win, especially with them going down to 10 men.
“They worked hard and fought for their right to push on and win the game themselves but at 1-1 we’ve got to bide our time with it.
“They’re down to 10 men, we’ve got to be patient, keep moving the ball, don’t go so gung-ho like we ended up doing and we got caught out by a second goal.
“It’s a great strike, it’s just a shame that he’s been allowed to get in that position.
“We’ve gone against 10 men for the majority of the second half and we’ve got to come out on top.”
Report: Margate 2-2 Folkestone
Substitute Vasiliou made a big impact for Margate, providing the cross for Cawley’s goal after collecting Ben Greenhalgh’s pass and finishing a goalmouth scramble for the hosts’ second equaliser.
And while he missed a good chance to win it, he’s a player who makes things happen for Margate.
“Vas has that and that’s why we got him in,” said Prestedge.
“We needed someone that was comfortable on the ball in those sorts of areas.
“He drifts in and out, he gets on the ball, he plays through balls and he gets himself in right positions.
“He got a goal and an assist but he could have been the matchwinner at the end as well.
“It’s one of those. He’s got so much time, he wants to just make sure he gets a good connection on it and, I’ll be honest, nine times out of 10, if shanks that, it probably goes in.”
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