Whitehawk (H) - 12th August 2023

By Josh Cole 

Margate are back in Isthmian Premier Division action as we take on newly promoted Whitehawk at Hartsdown Park for the opening game of the 2023/24 season.

Margate ended pre-season with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sheppey United at Hartsdown Park last Saturday. Two goals from Ben Greenhalgh and another from Phil Roberts got the Blues firing, however they did let slip a two goal advantage towards the end of the game.

Manager Reece Prestedge said there were “positives to take” from the game against Sheppey and you can watch the full interview by clicking here.

The Blues will be without Roberto Ratti (injury) on Saturday, whilst the club dual-registered goalkeeper Reece Hobbs from National League South side Dartford on Friday afternoon, and his expected to be between the sticks as the ‘Gate begin their new campaign.

Whitehawk also known as ‘The Hawks’ are back in the league this season having been promoted from the Isthmian South-East Division via the playoffs after beating Hythe Town 1-0 in the final. Whitehawk played seven pre-season games and their results include a 5-0 win against Baffins Milton Rovers, a 5-2 win vs Newhaven, aq 5-0 win against Westfield, a 3-1 win against East Grinstead, a 2-0 win vs Hassocks, a 2-0 loss against Burgess Hill, and finally a 0-0 draw vs Sheppey United.

Head 2 Head: The ‘Gate have struggled against the Hawks having met nine times since February 2013 with one win going to Margate, five going to Whitehawk and three draws. The last time the two teams met was last season in the Velocity Trophy Quarter-Finals where Whitehawk knocked out Margate at Hartsdown Park in a nine goal thriller ending 4-3 to the visitors.

Familiar Faces: Former Margate defender Sinn’Kaye Christie, who was a part of the team last year and played in the Kent Senior Cup Final has signed for Whitehawk this season, as well as former ‘Gate striker Louis Collins who joined the Sussex side on Friday afternoon.

The Officials: The man in the middle for Saturday’s opener is Daniel Blades and he will be assisted by Samuel Hall (Assistant Referee) and Marian Stoichitoiu (Assistant Referee).

Fans should note that anyone in the Hartsdown Bar before 11:30am to watch the Lionesses World-Cup Quarter-Final vs Colombia will get FREE ENTRY for the league game in the afternoon!

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Hartsdown Park for opening day of the 2023/24 season, however if you are missing the game then you can follow our live match updates on our official twitter account @margatefc_ from 2:30pm!

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