5thdec05

Monday 05th December 2005

Margate shuffle the pack for trip to Heybridge


On Tuesday evening, Margate return to Essex to take on Heybridge Swifts, writes Steve Wells - www.margate-fc.com

The euphoria of their impressive home win over league leaders Hampton and Richmond was forgotten after just six minutes of Saturday’s clash at East Thurrock.

For the remainder of the game, the Blues looked capable of taking something from the game and had it started at the six-minute mark, they would have done.

Swifts meanwhile were being held to a goalless draw at home by Billericay Town which left them with a return of seven points from the 18 on offer over the last six games – exactly the same as Margate.

Comparing the two sides’ records across the season so far, Swifts sit three places and five points above Margate. Having scored four more goals than the Blues, they have also conceded four more – leaving the sides equal on goal difference. Given a look at the stats, this does have all the hallmarks of a potentially close contest.

For Margate, Lawrence Yiga remains suspended, and Greg Oates, Pat Gradley and Leon Braithwaite missed the East Thurrock game through injury. Gradley and Braithwaite look close to a come-back but manager Chris Kinnear is likely to just shuffle the pack that were available to him at East Thurrock, with Hasim Deen and Dean Standen the most likely beneficiaries.

Heybridge Swifts v Margate
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 6th December 2005
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Scraley Road
, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex