Merstham | 18.9.21

By Ryan Day 

Margate travel to the ‘Whiskey Bible’ stadium to face Merstham on Saturday looking to progress to the 3rd Qualifying Round of this seasons Emirates FA Cup.

The Blues head to Surrey on the back of their first defeat of the new campaign after a 2-1 loss to Hornchurch on Tuesday evening, whilst Merstham also come into the game on the back of a home defeat to much fancied Lewes on Tuesday evening.

The ‘Gate needed a replay to overcome Thame United in the 1st Qualifying Round, eventually winning the replay 4-2, whilst Merstham strolled into the 2nd Qualifying Round with a 2-0 away win at Balham.

Manager Jay Saunders could name the same squad as the one that lost in Essex on Tuesday, however he remains hopeful that striker Jake Embery could return especially given the fact that he has four Emirates FA Cup goals already having netted in the original tie against Thame and then a hat-trick in the subsequent replay.

Last time these two sides met was February 2020 at the ‘Whiskey Bible’ stadium as Margate suffered a 1-0 defeat thanks to an early penalty which consigned the ‘Gate to defeat, in fact the Blues do not have a great record away to Merstham with their last win at the ‘Moatside’ coming in November 2017 as Jordan Chiedozie and Kane Haysman struck in a 2-1 win.

Merstham currently sit 19th in the Isthmian Premier Division after suffering four defeats and winning twice in their opening six games.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm but as always supporters who can’t make the fixture can stay up to date at the clubs official Twitter feed @margate_fc

Stadium address

The Whisky Bible Stadium,

Weldon Way,

Merstham,

Surrey

RH1 3QB

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