Margate showing green shoots of improvement

Margate travel to Kingston Upon Thames to take on AFC Wimbledon in the Ryman League Premier Division this Saturday, writes Steve Wells – www.margate-fc.com

This is the first clash between the former Southern League Premier Division rivals (from the 1970’s!) – the match scheduled for earlier in the season at Hartsdown postponed due the Dons’ cup commitments.

Margate’s form has shown the green shoots of improvement over recent games. Whilst the current form table (last six games) has Gate ranked 19, the Blues are unbeaten in four league and (Kent Senior) cup games, and with the win over Folkestone on Tuesday evening, have secured successive victories for just the second time this season. However, this will be a tough game given Gate’s modest two away league victories all season.

The starting 11 from the Kent Senior Cup game look set to hold their places, although Anthony Allman and Hasim Deen could be in-line for recalls.

The Dons have enjoyed a swift rise up the non-league pyramid and are enjoying a good first season at this level. Having won the Division One title comfortably last season, the Ryman Premier has not surprisingly proved a bit more of a challenge. But, the Surry side are within touching distance of the play-offs and will be looking to continue a recent run that has seen them lose just once on their way to collecting 11 from a possible 18 points. Interestingly, the one defeat was away at Kent rivals Folkestone Invicta.

Wimbledon will be without midfielder Simon Sweeney through injury but Dwayne Plummer could return. Wesley Daly misses out through suspension. The men to watch for the Dons are Shane Smeltz and Richard Butler who have over 30 goals between them so far this season.