Bishop's Stortford (H) - 11th February 2023

Margate welcome Isthmian Premier Division league leaders Bishop’s Stortford to Hartsdown Park on Saturday, with the ‘Gate looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games under Manager Reece Prestedge.

The ‘Gate have been resurgent in recent weeks having won two and drawn two, including last weekend’s 0-0 draw away at Hastings United. Having gone four unbeaten, the ‘Gate now have a nine point cushion between themselves and the bottom four.

Saturday sees the league leaders in town, however, they come into the game having lost their previous fixture 2-1 away at Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday evening. Prior to that defeat, Stortford had been on a three game winning streak in which they had netted eleven times and conceded none to send them top of the division.

These two sides have already met this season having faced each other on the 26th November at Stortford as a Korrey Henry equaliser earned the ‘Gate an impressive point in a 2-2 draw.

In recent history at Hartsdown Park, Margate have struggled to pick up points in this fixture having drawn two and lost three out of the previous five at Hartsdown Park stretching back to 2016.

Manager Reece Prestedge has Sam Blackman available, however doubts remain over whether Ade Cole will be fit as he continues to overcome an ankle injury. New signing Sinn’Kaye Christie could be in contention for his home debut, whilst Prestedge could be able to call upon Matty Macarthur after an injury ruled him out of a place in the squad away at Hastings United last weekend.

Kick-off at Hartsdown Park is 3pm, however supporters will be able to gain access to the Hartsdown Bar from 12:30pm as we will be showing the live BT Sport game between West Ham and Chelsea.

If you are unable to make it to Hartsdown Park, then we will have Twitter coverage @margate_fc from 2:30pm.

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