Match Report: Margate 2–1 Sheppey United

Written By Lee Allen

Isthmian League South East Division

Danny Leonard hit his 6th goal of the season

Sheppey United suffered a frustrating away defeat on the road, falling 2–1 to Margate despite taking a positive early lead through Danny Leonard.

Heading into the contest with a depleted squad—missing Mo Dabo (rested as a precaution), D'Jean Spencer (hamstring), Alfie Evans, and Mams Diallo—Sheppey started the game with strong intent.

Early warning signs were sent across the Margate box when Oghosa Williams crashed a first-time effort against the crossbar in just the 7th minute. The breakthrough arrived moments later in the 9th minute: Williams turned provider, feeding Danny Leonard, who cut inside before unleashing a composed left-footed strike to put the Ites 1–0 up.

Harley Earle was called into action soon after, confidently punching away a Margate cross to preserve the lead, while Williams and Ben Clark continued to probe as Sheppey went into the half-time interval with a deserved 1–0 advantage.

Margate came out firing after the break, making a double change at half-time. The tactical switch paid off immediately in the 46th minute when half-time substitute Stanley Oldfield found the back of the net with a left-footed finish to level the score at 1–1.

The hosts began to apply pressure, though Sheppey fought to regain momentum with substitutions introducing Simon Kabamba and Ethan Cole (following an injury to Harlain Mbayo). However, the turning point arrived in the 76th minute when Bradley Schafer converted to hand Margate a 2–1 lead.

As the Ites pushed for an equalizer late in the game, the match ended on a deeply concerning note for Sheppey in the 90th minute, when they were forced to finish the game with 10 men after Cameron Andrews was forced off the pitch following an awful challenge.

Lineups & Match Details

  • Sheppey United XI: Earle, Lawrence, Ganwa (Kabamba), Wisson, Mbayo (Cole), Clark (Palmby), Andrews, Hilden (Sobhee-Turner), Adjei-Hersey (Salako), Leonard, Williams

  • Unused Subs: 0

  • Goals: Leonard

  • Bookings: Cole

Report: Lee Allen

Photo: Marc Richards

Lee Allen
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