Concord Rangers (A) - 19th August 2023

By Josh Cole

The Isthmian Premier Division continues with the ‘Gate facing a trip to Concord Rangers for our third game and second successive away day on Saturday afternoon.

In our first away trip last Tuesday, we fell to a 4-1 defeat in Essex at the hands of Hornchurch. Despite the result, manager Reece Prestedge felt the performance didn’t reflect the scoreline. You can watch the full interview by clicking here. 

Margate will welcome back experienced centre-back Tyrone Sterling after he missed Tuesday’s game against Hornchurch through injury. New boy Harry Seaden is available to play in goal for the ‘Gate after signing on Friday Morning! Roberto Ratti continues to miss out due to injury.

Concord, also known as The Beach Boys, were founded in 1967 and play at The Aspect Arena. The Beach Boys were relegated last season from the Vanarama National League South, and they know what its like to go up from the Isthmian Premier Division as they were playoff wines in the 2012/13 season. They are currently managed by Rob Small, who has been in charge since October 18th 2022, previously he was manager at Bowers & Pitsea. A player to look out for is young striker Harrison Day who was the shining light in a very dim day for Concord at home to Hashtag on Tuesday as they fell to a 4-1 home defeat.

Margate have started the season with one win (2-1 vs Whitehawk at home) and one loss 4-1 away to Hornchurch. Compared to The Beach Boys, who have struggled so far with two defeats against Enfield Town away 3-0 and Hashtag United at home 4-1. This leaves Rangers down in 21st place in the league whilst Margate sit in 12th.

The ‘Gate and The Beach Boys have played eight times since October 2012 with Margate winning one, Concord winning six and one game ending in a draw. Despite the Head-to-Head record sitting firmly in favour of Concord it was the ‘Gate who won the last encounter at Hartsdown Park in Septenber 2019 winning 3-1in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round.

The officials for the game are Christopher Hastings (Referee), Sam Jones (Assistant Referee), and Rhys Collins (Assistant Referee).

Unable to make it to the game? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! You can follow along with all the live action via our match updates on our official twitter account @margatefc_ from 2:15pm onwards!

GROUND ADDRESS

The Aspect Arena

Thames Road

Essex

SS8 0HH

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