In-form Margate prepare for Iron's visit

Thursday 16th February 2006

The first meeting between Braintree Town and Margate at Cressing Road earlier in the season finished 1-0 to the hosts, writes Steve Wells -
www.margate-fc.com

In truth, the formbook suggested a home win and that’s what happened as Margate lost their third game of the season.

It was an ill-disciplined match at times – particularly in the second half when Hasim Deem was unfortunate to be sent off.

Gate went behind to an early penalty, converted by Braintree’s Alex Revell – his second from the spot in two games.

There looked to be little between the two sides with much of the game played out in a congested midfield, which in turn meant that clear chances were at a premium.

For the Blues, Donovan, Edwards and Standen all had efforts on goal, although Warren Ryan and Ellis Remy (now at Bromley) came closest – both denied by good saves from the keeper in the home goal.

Margate’s form has shown a considerable improvement over recent weeks. All the hard work that the manager and directors had said was going on behind the scenes has started to pay dividends.

Against AFC Wimbledon, Danny Hockton and Bertie Brayley looked as lively as any striking partnership in the league, and while late on in the game the defending was at times desperate, there is a renewed confidence at the back and an industrious midfield.

Gate’s league form ranking has risen rapidly, and now stands at 10 – up from 19 just two weeks ago. A return of nine from a possible 18 points has been accrued from two wins, three draws and just a single defeat.

Also encouragingly, the Blues have now scored two goals in five out their last six games.

In fact, 15 different players have hit the back of our opponent’s net so far this season. Having said that, nine of them are no longer at the club!

And on the subject of players, Daniel Damoah became to 40th player this season to take to the pitch in a Margate shirt for his late and brief appearance as a second half substitute, at Wimbledon last weekend.

Goalkeeper Charlie Mitten is approaching fitness again but Darren Behcet looks set to retain his place in the starting line up. After his substitute appearance at Wimbledon, Anthony Allman could be in line for a recall at left wing-back, but Deen’s return to the starting 11 could be delayed by a niggling ankle injury. Bill Edwards’ suspension after his red card against the Dons, will not take effect until after the weekend, so he should start.

The Iron look to have made the Ryman Premier Division title theirs to lose. Currently top of the league by seven points, they remain unbeaten at home and have lost just four times on their travels. Current league form is impressive too. Ranked second behind Heybridge Swifts, the Essex side have accumulated 12 from a possible 18 points following three wins and three draws.

Last weekend, Braintree returned to winning ways after two successive draws. A three-goal spell in four second half minutes offset Staines’ opener. Carl Griffiths, Alex Revell and Eugene Ofori scored the goals.

After the win, manager George Borg told www.braintreetownfc.org.uk: “Our first half simply wasn’t good enough and I let the lads know that at the break. We came out fired up and simply took them apart.

"As annoyed as I was with the first 45 minutes, I was equally delighted with the second half. We played some great football and I doubt if many sides at our level could have lived with that. It’s another three points for us and we now have a week to prepare for a big game down at Margate next Saturday.”

Given the recent form of both sides, this could be a good game. It will certainly help to lay down a marker for the progress that Margate have made lately.

Kick off at Hartsdown Park on Saturday is the usual 3pm.

Meanwhile, Chris Kinnear will take his side to Stonebridge Road for their John Ullman Kent Senior Cup semi-final agaknst Gravesend & Northfleet on Tuesday, 21st March (7:45pm),

At the time of writing, no date has been arranged for the other semi-final tie at Hayes Lane between Bromley and Ramsgate.