Bognor Regis Town (H) - 5th November 2022

Margate welcome Bognor Regis Town to Hartsdown Park on Saturday looking to end a run of three straight defeats in the Isthmian Premier Division.

A 1-0 loss at Carshalton on Monday evening came at a cost to the Blues as they head into the game with a growing list of injuries.

The Blues will be without Sam Blackman (suspended) as well as Cameron Brodie (foot) and Ade Cole (back), whilst Korrey Henry is also set to miss out through a groin strain sustained at the War Memorial Ground. Manager Andy Drury may be able to welcome back Troy Howard to the squad; however, match fitness could be an issue after a six week lay-off.

The Rocks arrive at Hartsdown Park with just one defeat in their last six games in all competitions. As well as improving form, the visitors welcome two new additions to their squad who may make their debuts in National League defender Cameron Black and striker Mat Patterson.

Last season the Sussex side record two wins over the Blues. A 2-1 win at Hartsdown Park was followed up with a 4-1 defeat in Sussex as the ‘Gate suffered a miserable season against Bognor. In fact, the Blues have lost four out of the last five games against Bognor Regis, their last win coming in January 2020. The last home win at Hartsdown Park against Bognor for the Blues came back in March 2019 as the ‘Gate won 1-0.

Kick-off at Hartsdown Park is at the earlier time of 1pm on Saturday with gates opening at 11:30am.

If you can’t join us then you can stay right up to date on the clubs official Twitter feed @margate_fc

Blues Beat Bognor At HDP

Margate won for the first time in four games as they overcome Bognor Regis Town in the Isthmian Premier Division 2-0 at Hartsdown Park at lunchtime on Saturday afternoon.

That morning the Blues had added striker Ashley Nzala to their ranks on dual registration with National League South side Dulwich Hamlet and he went straight into the squad.

The Blues started sluggish and almost found themselves one down in the opening moments, only for the offside flag to deny an opening goal for the visitors. Playing with three centre-backs and two full-backs for the first time looked to have a good effect from thereafter though as the Blues restricted the visitors to limited opportunities.

After some possession in the midfield and trying to get new signing Nzala involved, it was the Blues who took the lead from Ade Cole who won the ball back in midfield before driving forward and placing it brilliantly in the bottom corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Margate were in complete control at the back and were marshalling the Bognor attack very well and were rewarded on 36 minutes as new signing Nzala popped the ball through the legs of a Bognor defender before firing a fierce shot goalwards which beat the ‘keeper to make it 2-0.

Bognor looked to force some late chances at the end of the first half which failed to trouble Daniel Jinadu as the ‘Gate went in leading 2-0 at the break.

The Blues could have had the game out of sight in the 47th minute as James Bessey-Saldanha raced down on goal, only to see his effort saved well by the visiting ‘keeper. That chance seemed to rejuvenate the away side as Nathan Odokonyero forced Jinadu into a fine save which then saw the resulting corner cannon back off the crossbar.

Cole and Nzala looked like they were enjoying their new partnership as Cole released Nzala who saw his low effort again well saved as Margate looked to make sure of the three points.

Eddie Dsane who came on for a late sub almost added a gloss finish to proceedings as he raced down the left before seeing his strike hit the post as Margate earned three points that move them up to 14th in the Isthmian Premier Division standings.

MARGATE: Jinadu, Fisher (Hatfull 90’), Brodie, Kaiser, Hudson, Cole, Nzala (Dsane 87’), Bessey-Saldanha (Deslandes 76’), Greenhalgh, Barton, Ojemen

Subs not used: Marsh, Howard

Margate Goalscorer’s

Ade Cole 25’

Ashley Nzala 36’

Margate Man of the Match

Ade Cole

Attendance

360