14thsept05

Wednesday 14th September 2005

Margate go into Slough game full of confidence

It’s 13th versus 14th in the Ryman Premier as Margate welcome Slough Town to Harstdown Park on Saturday, reports www.margate-fc.com

Just goal difference separates the two sides at this early stage of the season, so this could be a close game.

But with the confidence of scoring four goals in last week’s FA cup win over Cowes Sports, Gate fans will be hoping that the Blues will now have to be reckoned as a potent attacking force as well as having one of the best defensive records in the league.

Injury doubts remain over Pat Gradley and Kola Okikioulu but Greg Oates’ switch into the middle of the defence and Jermaine Brown filling at right back worked well against Cowes – so options are available for Chris Kinnear. At the other end of the pitch, Margate also look to have options – particularly as four different players scored in the cup game.

Beaten just once this season to date – away at Staines Town – Margate continue to improve, particularly in midfield. Whilst the four goals scored last weekend were encouraging, they came against a side two levels below Gate. So the clash with Slough will provide a better indication of the Blue’s ability to score goals, as well as keep them out!

Slough Town, will again be ground sharing at Stag Meadow, the home of Windsor and Eton, until the lease problems of Wexham Park are sorted out. It is of course a problem that Margate know about only too well.

On the pitch, Town have yet to gain an away point this season, despite wining three out of four games at “home” – including last weekend’s 4-1 win over Oxford City in the FA Cup – Slough’s third win on the trot. The Rebels currently have four players having scored two or more goals. Ian Hodges leads the way with three, with Glen Harris, Michael Alexis and Josias Carbon (from right wing-back) with two a-piece.

After this game, Kinnear takes his side to Kent rivals Bromley (20th September) before hosting Nationwide Conference South strugglers, Carshalton Athletic in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup (24th).

Margate v Slough Town
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 17th September 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate