Hornchurch (H) - 29th October 2022

Margate return to Isthmian Premier Division action at Hartsdown Park on Saturday as they welcome high flying Hornchurch to Kent.

The Blues suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Lewes last weekend, however a win last time out at Hartsdown Park against Canvey Island gives the ‘Gate hope against an in-form Hornchurch who currently sit 3rd in the league standings, however with three games in hand on teams above them.

Ironically, Lewes was also Hornchurch’s previous opposition after the two sides played out a 2-2 draw at the Dripping Pan on Tuesday evening, despite the ‘Urchins leading 2-0 at one stage.

Mark Stimson’s side have only lost twice in the league this season, their last league defeat coming at the end of August when they were beaten 2-1 by Canvey Island.

Margate will be able to call upon Sam Blackman again after he missed last weekend’s defeat through suspension, however Manager Andy Drury will be without Troy Howard (Ankle) and Harrison Hatfull (Dead leg), meanwhile Lewis Knight left to join Enfield Town on Friday for a one-month loan period.

Drury may hand new signing Ethan Kaiser his first start after being an unused substitute away at Lewes last weekend.

The Blues endured a miserable double against Hornchurch last season, losing both fixtures. A 2-1 defeat away in August was followed by a 3-0 home defeat at Hartsdown Park in January. Margate have to go back to March 2019 for their last win against the Essex side, when they won away 2-1, however you have to go back to March 2015 for our last win at home against the ‘Urchins as the Blues ran riot with a 5-1 win.

A reminder that the club is throwing a Halloween themed party in the Hartsdown Bar from 2pm with prizes for the best dressed, as well as other spooky games and activities, as well as face painting.

Kick-off at Hartsdown Park is 3pm, however the ground will be open from 12:30pm showing the Premier League fixture between Leicester and Manchester City.

Hornchurch Deal Blues Halloween Blow

Margate suffered a second consecutive defeat in the Isthmian Premier Division as they were beaten by high flying Hornchurch 3-1 at Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

Manager Andy Drury welcomed back midfielder Sam Blackman after he served a one game suspension at Lewes, however the Blues were still without Troy Howard (Ankle) and James Bessey-Saldanha (illness), however Harrison Hatfull returned to the bench despite still suffering with a dead leg.

In an even opening fifteen minutes, both sides looked to keep possession with no side really resting the ‘keepers at a warm Hartsdown Park. It was the home side who should have took the lead in the 16th minute as a brilliant Ben Greenhalgh corner was flicked onto the bar, before Hornchurch cleared their lines.

Margate continued to look bright as Ade Cole forced a fine save from the Hornchurch shot stopper, before again another Greenhalgh corner caused panic in the away box before finally being hacked away.

The Blues were dealt a sucker punch just one minute before the break against the run of play the visitors took the lead as prolific striker Sam Higgins from a tight angle somehow squeezed the ball home to give the ‘Urchins a 1-0 lead at the break.

Margate started the second half with a similar intent as the first half looking to get the equaliser which arrived just seven minutes into the second half as Brodie played a delightful reverse pass to Greenhalgh who as always didn’t miss his opportunity by slamming the ball home to make it 1-1.

Despite their dominant start to the second half, the Blues again failed to take advantage of their goal and were behind within two minutes of the restart as Liam Nash broke the offside trap before calmly slotting past Daniel Jinadu to give the visitors a quick lead again.

Sadly for Margate they were unable rejuvenate themselves to get level again as despite a few half chances for Greenhalgh and Eddie Dsane they never really tested the visiting ‘keeper and the game was put to bed in the 88th minute as again on the break away the visitors added a third through Jack Munns to secure three points for the visitors.

Margate return to action in the Isthmian Premier Division on Monday evening as they travel to Carshalton Athletic for a 7:45 pm kick-off.

MARGATE: Jinadu, Fisher, Brodie (Deslandes 82’), Hudson, Cole, Blackman, Greenhalgh, Barton, Ojemen, Henry, Dsane (Rogers 88’)

Subs not used: Kaiser, Hatfull, Marsh

Margate Goalscorer

Ben Greenhalgh 53’

Margate Man of the Match

Sam Blackman

Attendance

556