Margate prepare for make or break showdowns

Three wins and three draws in their last six games, Margate are one of the form teams in the division, but will face a battle as relegation threatened Ashford Town make the trip from Middlesex tomorrow, writes Steve Wells.

Just a point behind AFC Wimbledon who currently occupy the last play-off place, Margate need to secure the win first, and then look at the results of the teams around them in the league, to assess their play-off chances.

The other crucial games see Bromley host Billericay Town, Chelmsford City visit relegated Slough Town, AFC Wimbledon at home to Heybridge Swifts and Hampton & Richmond Borough away at Leyton.

Looking at the play-off situation, assistant manager Mike Flanagan told www.margate-fc.com  : “Chelmsford at the moment are in a play-off spot. We’re a point behind them now. Wimbledon are still there or there abouts, so there are teams that we can catch. Two games to go now, it’s getting very tense.

“It would be nice to have a big crowd there (at Hartsdown), get behind the lads. It is another big game for us, and it would be nice to see the supporters spur us on.”

Margate will be without Jay Saunders and Pat Sappleton through suspension (although Sappleton was rated doubtful with a groin problem picked up against Chelmsford last Saturday).

In addition to already sidelined Steve McKimm and Paul Abbott, Charlie Mitten (dead leg) is rated as doubtful for the visit of Ashford, so Scott Chalmers-Stevens should continue in goal.

Dean Standen looks set to retain his place in the midfield with Jay Saunders out and Robin Trott has the option of maintaining three at the back with a recall for James Donovan.

Ashford are nervously looking at results not only in this league, but also in the Northern and Southern Leagues too, as the worse placed fourth bottom side from the three leagues will be relegated along with the bottom three.

Currently ranked 19 in the form table – the same as in the full league table – Ashford have taken four from a possible 18 points, including a recent defeat by the odd goal in nine against Boreham Wood.

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com

Margate v Ashford Town (Middlesex)
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 21^st April 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ