So, being such a great father I brought my daughter, on her visit from Northamptonshire, across to Peacehaven to watch FA Cup Qualifying round action between Peacehaven & Telscombe FC and Margate FC, both sides playing this season in the Isthmian League South East Division. To be fair despite I am sure, non-league football not being her chosen first activity on arriving for a visit, she couldn’t have helped but be charmed by the Sports Park ground, which has some charm and is always a good venue at which to watch football.

As I have said, the Sports Park at Peacehaven is a ground with a degree of character, holding capacity for 3500 with seating for 350. An artificial, rubber crumb, 3G pitch was laid recently and the ground has good facilities for players and supporters.

The Tye, as Peacehaven & Telscombe are nicknamed, were promoted into the Isthmian League last season after winning a play off final convincingly 1-4 away against the much fancied Guernsey FC, having finished 5th in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division. Since then manager, Mark Shutt, has seen his team win their opening Fa Cup qualifying tie 1-2 away at Horsham YM FC and in the league has seen his side move to fourth place with a win and a draw from their opening two games. Connor Tighe has opened the season with four goals, supported by Cal Edwards who has two goals already.

Margate FC saw some change this summer, having finished 5th in the Isthmian League South East Division in 2025-26, securing a new manager, Jamie Coyle, fresh from FA Vase success at Whitstable Town and having led them to promotion as South East Counties Football League Premier Division champions last season. Coyle has brought the core of his successful squad with him and the Gate have started successfully, winning two and drawing one of their opening matches, to sit in second place in the Isthmian League South East Division. Margate’s goals thus far have come from Finn O’Mara, Albie O’Mara-Knapp and Connor Wilkins.

The game started in a lively manner with both sides throwing everything in attack. There were a range of early chances for both sides.

With eleven minutes it was Finn O’Mara who fired home for the visitors to score the first goal and put Margate 0-1 ahead.

The remainder of the half saw Margate sustain the balance of possession but Peacehaven came back into the match as the half progressed. As the whistle blew for half time the teams went in with Margate, in bright sunshine, leading Peacehaven & Telscombe 0-1.

With just 50 minutes on the clock Margate were two ahead with a neat passing move seeing Oghosa Williams finish comfortably from inside the penalty area.

Just six minutes later and it was 0-3, with the tie looking out of reach for Peacehaven, when a fine run and solo finish by Javaun Splatt ripped into the Peacehaven net.

With 67 minutes gone Margate were 0-4 ahead when Bradley Schafer finished from close range.

With added time on the clock Peacehaven had a consolation goal to celebrate, with a fine far post finish by Connor Tighe.

At fulltime it was Margate FC who progressed into the next qualifying round. This was a confident and entertaining performance by Jamie Coyle’s “Gate” side and they look like they will really do well this season. Peacehaven & Telscombe FC worked hard throughout and will, on today’s performance have something to build off this season.