Sittingbourne (A) - 5th August 2022

By Josh Cole

Margate will travel to Sittingbourne FC for their penultimate pre-season fixture on Friday night in preparation for the start of the Isthmian Premier Division season which is only eight days away.

The ‘Gate lost 2-0 to Chatham Town last time out and Andy Drury was left unimpressed with his side's effort. “Tonight, we were lacking leadership, desire, work rate, we were lacking a lot tonight, so we have a lot to work on, they’ve (the players) got a lot to sort out for themselves as well, we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for them and they have to look at their own performances tonight and if they don’t improve, I'll do something about it.”

One positive to take from the game on Tuesday night was the full debut of new goalkeeper Amadou Tangara and Drury had nothing but good things to say about the new Margate shot stopper. “He’s done a few good saves, he’s off his line quick, he kills danger before it even turns into danger, he claimed a few crosses which was big as it took the pressure off us, and I thought he was brilliant, he’ll be a big player for us, he’s one of the best in the league, and he pretty much come back in and done my team talk for me.”

Sittingbourne currently compete in the Isthmian South East Division finishing 10th last season on 52 points (15 wins, seven draws, 16 losses).

Sittingbourne have had an impressive pre-season campaign so far, winning all six games they have played, and the teams they have faced include: Glebe FC, Bowers and Pitsea, Phoenix Sports, Canterbury City, Dulwich Hamlet and Herne Bay.

Kick-off is 7;45pm, however if you can’t be there then you can stay right up to date on our Twitter from 7pm.

For those travelling by car, please see the full stadium address below.

The Jarmans Solicitors Stadium

Woodstock Park

Broadoak Road,

Sittingbourne, ME9 8AG

'Gate Beat Brickies

Margate returned to winning ways as they beat Sittingbourne 2-1 on Friday night.

Margate were again forced to name several trialists in the squad as they continue to battle with injuries, especially in defence.

It was a new trialists #9 that got them on their way early on as he pounced onto a mistake by the Sittingbourne full-back to race through and coolly finish when one on one to hand Margate an early advantage.

In an otherwise slow paced first half, Margate had to wait until the 35th minute for their next chance as James Bessey-Saldanha weaved through the Sittingbourne midfield and defence before seeing his shot saved comfortably by the hosts keeper.

Trialist #9 was again released in the final moments of the first half, however this time he saw his effort go wide as the Blues went in 1-0 up at half-time.

Manager Andy Drury continued to swap players on the pitch as substitutions appeared to slow the game down, however the Blues created a glorious opportunity on 70 minutes as Ben Greenhalgh found Troy Howard who struck his fierce effort wide of goal with only the #keeper to beat.

Margate were 2-0 to the good just two minutes later as trialists #9 swung a sweet delivery into the box which was turned home by a Sittingbourne defender for an own goal.

The ‘Gate did concede a last gasp goal, however held on to return to winning ways as they recorded a 2-1 win.

Margate return to action on Tuesday evening as they welcome Canterbury City to Hartsdown Park for their final pre-season game ahead of next Saturday’s league opener against Kingstonian.

MARGATE: Tangara, Trialist (Trialist), Topley, Hudson, Cole, Blackman, Trialist (Smith), Trialist (Deslandes), Greenhalgh (Oluwesemo), Trialist, Bessey-Saldanha (Howard)

Margate Goalscorers

Trialist #9 7’

Own Goal 72’

Margate Man of the Match

Ben Greenhalgh

Attendance

134