MARGATE 1 WHITSTABLE TOWN 0
GoCardless Kent Senior Cup First Round
Tuesday September 8 2026 19.45

Injury hit Whitstable travelled to play Margate in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday evening and were beaten by a Johan Caney-Bryan header just after half time. The squad contained a number of young players and two new signings, after three more players were ruled out by injuries picked up at the weekend. In contrast to the 3-0 league defeat by Margate on Bank Holiday Monday, Whitstable actually had the better of this encounter for large periods and created a number of good chances, but just could not find the net.

With nine players injured and one away, Whitstable called on a number of under 23, youth and academy players for this second meeting of the season with their former management team and players, now representing their Kent coast rivals from Thanet. Both teams had been knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, and indeed Margate also made a few changes to their starting eleven as this crazy start to the season continues, with two games practically every week. Margate named eight former Oystermen in their matchday squad, while Whitstable gave debuts to defender Mason Hunter and midfielder Mikey Berry, who have joined from Havant & Waterlooville and Brentwood, respectively. There were also first appearances for goalkeeper Zach Keeble and defender Chigozirim Njoku who has been playing for Erith & Belvedere. A reasonably good sized crowd of 311 watched the game.

Neither goalkeeper really had a save to make in a goalless first half, although Whitstable enjoyed plenty of possession and got themselves into some promising positions. Each had an early corner, but the first attempt on goal was in the 12th minute when Jack Nelson set up veteran striker Derek Asamoah whose shot was blocked. Ralfi Hand then put a 25 yard free kick wide at the other end. Berry looked bright in an attacking midfield role and fired a long range shot wide. Matty Holness was injured in a strong challenge by Jake McIntyre, but after some treatment was able to continue.

A good move produced an opportunity for Perri Iandolo who shot over the bar, then Asamoah ran on to a Nelson pass in the box, but was unable to hit the target. An inswinging Iandolo corner went right across goal and wide of the far post. The home supporters had to wait until the 39th minute before their team has a shot on goal and it was Connor Wilkins who curled the ball over the top from outside the box. A couple of minutes later, Kai Garande's cross from the left corner hit the far post before the ball was put behind for a corner. That, and a late Whitstable corner failed to produce a goal.

The decisive moment in the game came just 30 seconds into the second half when Tariq Ossai delivered a cross from the right corner to the back post and with some apparent miscommunication in the Whitstable defence, Johan Caney-Bryan was allowed a free header to put Margate ahead. Whitstable had a great chance to equalise immediately when a long ball by Liam Boxall sent Asamoah clear of the Margate defence, but his attempt to chip the ball over goalkeeper Harry Seaden lacked direction and was safely caught. Caney-Bryan then tried to get on the end of another cross, but this time the ball went wide. Whitstable had another excellent opportunity when Iandolo's corner was flicked on by Nelson, but Asamoah headed wide at the back post. Chances kept coming for the Oystermen as Holness found Asamoah, who shot wide. Malachai Belboda’s shot was blocked for Margate, before McIntyre was cautioned for bringing down Berry and Iandolo's free kick went the wrong side of the left post.

Keeble turned a low Bradley Schafer shot around the post, then Wilkins went into the book for a foul on the edge of the box and Nathan Green's shot hit the side netting from the free kick routine that followed. Whitstable went close again in the 76th minute when a loose pass by Gibou Njie was collected by Berry who skipped past a couple of challenges and hit the inside of the post from 25 yards. Nelson put the rebound wide, but would have been offside had the ball found the net. Margate were content to run down the clock towards the end, but had a chance to extend their lead when a cross reached Javaun Splatt in the box, but Boxall managed to get in the way of his shot. Berry also had a late effort blocked and Hunter strode forward but shot wide. There were plenty of encouraging signs for Whitstable supporters despite their lengthy list of absentees, but it’s Margate who progress to the next round

Another cup game awaits Whitstable on Saturday when they entertain Egham Town in the FA Trophy at the YMS Stadium.

Margate
Harry Seaden, Tariq Ossai, Gibou Njie (Ronald Sithole 80), Ralfi Hand, Malachai Belboda (Bradley Schafer 65), Finn O’Mara (c), Kai Garande, Connor Wilkins, Jake McIntyre (Tyler Hatton 65), Ryan Huke (Olu Oluwatamilehin 84), Johan Caney-Bryan (Javaun Splatt 70).
Subs (unused): none
Goal: Johan Caney-Bryan 46
Yellow cards: Jake McIntyre 62, Connor Wilkins 71.

Whitstable Town
Zach Keeble, Matty Holness (Jack Hillier 84), Nathan Green, Mason Hunter, Chigozirim Njoku, Liam Boxall, Derek Asamoah (Jack Fenton 72), Henry Young (c), Jack Nelson, Perri Iandolo (Marli Collier 78), Mikey Berry.
Subs (unused): Charlie Thomson, Mason Buckingham.
Yellow card: Matty Holness 27

Attendance: 311
Referee: Benjamin McDonald
Assistants: Reece Cahalane & Freddie Waldron