East Thurrock United (H)

By Ryan Day

Margate welcome East Thurrock to Hartsdown Park on Saturday as they look to build upon their fine win away at Bognor Regis last week and Tuesday nights stunning 5-1 win over Carshalton Athletic in the Velocity Trophy.

Manager Jay Saunders has confirmed that defender Ben Swift is still two weeks away from returning to training, however Liam Friend should return to the starting eleven after being cup tied for Tuesday evening's game. Midfielder Reece Prestedge could return to the starting eleven but will face a fitness test before kick-off.

After netting a hat-trick on Tuesday evening Elliott Reeves is likely to retain his place in the squad to face an East Thurrock side currently sitting 9th in the division and looking to make it three games unbeaten after beating Bowers & Pitsea and drawing with Worthing.

When the two sides met in October at Rookery Hill it was the Blues that ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Noel Leighton and the now departed Kudus Oyenuga. The Blues fought back from a goal down at the break to secure the win.

Returning Margate defender Liam Friend is expecting a tough encounter against the side relegated to the division from the National League South last season.

“East Thurrock came down from the National League South and probably thought they would be much higher but they have been like most teams and inconsistent so they will be disappointed to mid-table”.

Kick off at Hartsdown Park is at 3pm but remember we have our Matchday specials from 1:30pm, for details of these click here.

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