Bishop's Stortford (H) - 11th February 2023

Margate welcome Isthmian Premier Division league leaders Bishop’s Stortford to Hartsdown Park on Saturday, with the ‘Gate looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games under Manager Reece Prestedge.

The ‘Gate have been resurgent in recent weeks having won two and drawn two, including last weekend’s 0-0 draw away at Hastings United. Having gone four unbeaten, the ‘Gate now have a nine point cushion between themselves and the bottom four.

Saturday sees the league leaders in town, however, they come into the game having lost their previous fixture 2-1 away at Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday evening. Prior to that defeat, Stortford had been on a three game winning streak in which they had netted eleven times and conceded none to send them top of the division.

These two sides have already met this season having faced each other on the 26th November at Stortford as a Korrey Henry equaliser earned the ‘Gate an impressive point in a 2-2 draw.

In recent history at Hartsdown Park, Margate have struggled to pick up points in this fixture having drawn two and lost three out of the previous five at Hartsdown Park stretching back to 2016.

Manager Reece Prestedge has Sam Blackman available, however doubts remain over whether Ade Cole will be fit as he continues to overcome an ankle injury. New signing Sinn’Kaye Christie could be in contention for his home debut, whilst Prestedge could be able to call upon Matty Macarthur after an injury ruled him out of a place in the squad away at Hastings United last weekend.

Kick-off at Hartsdown Park is 3pm, however supporters will be able to gain access to the Hartsdown Bar from 12:30pm as we will be showing the live BT Sport game between West Ham and Chelsea.

If you are unable to make it to Hartsdown Park, then we will have Twitter coverage @margate_fc from 2:30pm.

Blues Edged Out By League Leaders

Margate were edged out at home by league leaders Bishop’s Stortford 1-0 at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

Margate moved to a back three with Sinn’Kaye Christie making his home debut, whilst Midfielder Sam Blackman was recalled to the middle after recovering from injury.

It was the Blues who looked to get on the front foot early as Emmanuel Oke let fly from 25 yards out which looked to be heading towards the top corner, only to rise and whistle over the bar. Stortford soon got into their stride as Ryan Charles headed an opportunity over from six yards in a lively opening seven minutes.

A long throw from former Blues Midfielder Matt Johnson was causing some concern, however the Blues back-line and Daniel Jinadu stood up to the test that was coming their way from the league leaders.

In the 20th minute Stortford had their best chance to open the scoring as a low ball looked set to be bundled over the line by Charles, however some more heroic defending thwarted the Stortford attack as the scores remained 0-0.

Unfortunately for the ‘Gate the pressure was really starting to build and they conceded the opener in the 38th minute as Peter Ojemen’s clearance fell to the feet of Chris Harris who slammed the ball home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute.

A half-time talk from Manager Reece Prestedge appeared to have the desired effect as Margate started the second half on the front foot with Ben Greenhalgh almost delivering an inch perfect cross, only for Jack Giddens to collect the ball.

Margate looked much more attacking as Stortford were left to deal with several corners and attacks from the Blues, however the league leaders stood firm to deny an equalising goal.

Nathan Wood then tried his luck as he bent a free-kick around the wall which went inches wide just moments before the home side forced their best opportunity as a cut back found Greenhalgh 12 yards out, however his shot rose agonisingly inches over the bar as Margate looked set to level the game.

The ‘Gate continued to try and break down a resolute Stortford side, however they stood firm as they dealt with any balls into the box from wide.

Margate return to Isthmian League action on Tuesday night as we make the short journey to Herne Bay with kick-off at 7:45pm

MARGATE Xl: Jinadu, Hatfull (Fisher 72’), Christie, Hudson, Blackman (Macarthur 79’), Roberts (Smith 72’), Greenhalgh, Barton, Ojemen, Oke, Wood

Subs not used: Brodie, Bessey-Saldanha

Margate Man of the Match

Harry Hudson

Attendance

451