East Thurrock (A) - 12th February

Margate travel to Essex on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run in February as they take on basement side East Thurrock United at Rookery Hill in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Tuesday evenings draw at Leatherhead saw Margate remain seven points from the play-offs, however it was a result that put Saturdays opposition bottom of the table as Leatherhead climbed above them.

Not only do Margate remain unbeaten in February, they are on an impressive run of form since the New Year having lost only twice in their eight games since welcoming 2022.

East Thurrock are a side that will be scrapping for their survival. A battling 3-2 defeat at high flying Lewes last weekend gave them some reason to be hopeful, however keeping clean sheets in the league is their downfall having not kept one since beating Kingstonian 1-0 on 15th December.

Coincidentally, that 1-0 was their last league victory and it has been pretty miserable for them since with only a 7-0 Velocity Trophy win over troubled Romford their only shining light.

When the two sides met at Hartsdown Park in October it was the Blues who ran out comfortable 2-0 winners with Vance Bola and Ben Greenhalgh on the scoresheet.

The last time Margate visited Rookery Hill in October 2019 they recorded a 2-1 win, however their two previous visits ended in defeat.

Fans travelling should note that there is travel advice for those travelling to Rookery Hill by car which can be read here. 

Kick off at Rookery Hill is 3pm, however if you can’t be there then you can stay right up to date on the clubs official Twitter @margate_fc from 2:30pm.

Stadium Address

East Thurrock United FC

Rookery Hill

Corringham

Essex

SS17 9LB

'Gate Held On The Road Again

Margate were held to a second consecutive 0-0 draw on Saturday as they left Rookery Hill with just a point against basement side East Thurrock United.

In all honesty this game never really got going and neither side will argue against a point each, however the visitors did feel they might have had a second half penalty denied by the referee. 

It was the hosts that battled the elements better in the opening 15 minutes as they won a few corners which the Blues defended solidly to avert any real danger. The ‘Gate had to wait 28 minutes for their first attempt as that combination from the Horsham win linked up again, however. Lewis Knight volleying Ben Greenhalgh’s free kick into the side netting this time. 

The Blues were growing into the game as Joseph Gbode saw a header saved, before the on-loan Gillingham striker raced through but saw his shot easily saved as the ball took a bobble as he was about to shoot. 

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with neither side really able to fashion any clear cut chances, however Margate felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the 56th minute as Knight recycled the ball into the box which appeared to hit a defender’s hand, however play was waived on by the referee and no spot-kick awarded. 

That was as good as it got for either side as the clock ticked away and both sides settled for a no score draw. 

MARGATE: Bridle-Card, Lema, Anderson, Agyemang, Knight, Swift, Vaivada (Bessey-Saldanha 64’), Blackman, Gbode, Hatfull (Rutherford 82’), Greenhalgh (Bola 71’) 

Subs not used: Lamb, Kallmeier 

Attendance 

222

 The ‘Gate return to action on Tuesday 15th February at home to Merstham in the Isthmian Premier Division with kick off at 7:45pm.