16thnov05

Wednesday 16th November 2005

Margate look to start climb up table

Margate return to league action this Saturday, with a visit to Stag Meadow to take on Windsor & Eton, writes Steve Wells - www.margate-fc.com

Whilst the home defeat to Dartford in the FA Trophy was disappointing, at least Gate were creating chances. Adolph Amoako was unfortunate not to score – hitting the post once and the roof of the net on another occasion.

But league points are an urgent requirement if the Blues are to have a chance of climbing the table and aiming for an end of season play-off place.

The current gap to AFC Wimbledon in fifth place is 13 points - not insurmountable yet, but progress towards that target needs to be made rapidly if one of the club’s original objectives is to be met.

Greg Oates will be out of action for another six weeks and Leon Braithwaite’s availability will be dependant upon the outcome of a scan on his knee.

Pat Gradley is edging ever closer to fitness and could take a place on the bench. Margate missed Warren Ryan’s tough tackling and surging runs down the left against Dartford, and he will hopefully be back in the starting eleven.

In attack, James Corbett could be an alternative to Ellis Remy, but former Bromley hit-man Amoako looks set to keep his place after several good performances.

In addition, there could be a new signing on display for the Blues.

Given Gate’s current potion, this is a crucial game against a side that is three places and seven points below the Blues. But Margate’s league form does need rapid improvement – five from a possible 18 points is the current rate of return.

Windsor finished last season 15th in the Ryman Premier League and judging by the start they have made this season, they could struggle to repeat that this time round. The Royals are currently second bottom in the form table, taking just three from a possible 18 points – a win against Leyton.

Top scorers for Windsor are Adam Wallace and player / assistant manager Paul Holsgrove. Between the two of them, they have scored half of Windsor’s league goals: four for Wallace and two for Holsgrove.

Given Margate’s lowly position in the table, Windsor will view this game as an opportunity to collect valuable points. But the home side’s “goals for” tally is just 12 – the same as Gate. With the Stag Meadow club having conceded 29 goals – 15 more than Margate - the Blues should go into the match with the aim of wiping out their negative goal difference.

Windsor & Eton v Margate
Saturday 19th November 2005
Ryman Premier League
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stag Meadow, St Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire

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16thnov05