Bognor Regis Town (A) - 14th March 2023

By Josh Cole

Margate face a trip to Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday evening, marking the end to the run of three successive away days for the ‘Gate.

The ‘Gate suffered defeat at Canvey Island on Saturday, falling to a 5-2 loss in Essex. A goal on the stroke of half time from Ben Greenhalgh, via the spot, gave Margate the lead heading into the break. The Gulls would come out firing and scoring three quick goals before the 60th minute, before an 88th minute Freddy Barton effort would pull a goal back for the Blues, however, any hopes of a comeback would be crushed by two more goals from the hosts sealing Margate’s fate.

Ade Cole remains a doubt for the trip to The Rocks alongside Nathan Wood who is also a doubt after picking up an ankle injury in the warm-up of Saturday’s game. Midfielder Sam Blackman will also be missing, whilst doubts also remain over Phil Roberts who was subbed just 30 minutes into Saturday’s defeat with a calf injury.

The ‘Gate were victorious the last time these two teams met winning 2-0 with goals from Cole and Ashley Nzala. The last time we travelled to Nyewood Lane, we were beaten comfortably 4-1 by a very well drilled Rocks side. In 14 games since September 2012, Margate have come out victorious on seven occasions, with two games ending in draws and five ending in Rocks victories. However recently, apart from this season, the results have seen victories for Bognor, winning four out of the last six.

The last five matches have seen the Rocks struggle for form losing four of the last five to Hornchurch (1-0), Wingate & Finchley (4-2), Enfield Town (2-0), and Herne Bay (2-1). With their only win in the last five games being against Brightlingsea Regent (4-0). On the other hand, apart from Saturday, Margate had been impressive on the defensive side keeping three clean sheets in a row in the league. Two losses against Carshalton (1-0), and Canvey (5-2), two wins against Corinthian-Casuals (2-0) and Potters Bar (1-0) and a 0-0 draw against Enfield make up the ‘Gate’s last five results in the league.

This could end up being a big game in terms of final league position as a win for Margate would lift them above their opposition, but a win for the hosts would extend the gap to three points, with the Rocks having a game in hand.

7:45pm kick off but if you are unable to travel to Bognor Regis, live match updates will be on our official twitter @margate_fc from 7pm onwards!

STADIUM ADDRESS

Nyewood Lane

Bognor Regis

West Sussex

PO21 2TY

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