Special Guests Visiting HDP This Saturday

After three away games in the space of seven days, The Gate return home on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Bishops Stortford to Hartsdown Park.

We have a number of special guests due to the match…

Terry Norton

Supporters will be able to give ex-Margate FC player, Terry Norton a warm welcome back to Hartsdown Park.

In the summer of 1977 Terry moved to Margate FC and made his debut in a 1-0 win over Ramsgate in a Kent Senior Shield tie. He played in midfield but soon settled in at right back and made the number two shirt his own during the 1977/78 season, impressing with his strength in tackle and willingness to attack.

On the 14th January 1978, Terry scored his first goal for the club with a superb 40-yard lob in a 3-0 home win over Taunton. He also found the net with what the Thanet Times called “a beautiful thunderball effort” in a 7-0 win over Canterbury. 

Terry made a total of 39 appearances that season as Margate won the Southern League First Division (South) title. He started the 1978/79 season in the reserves but regained a regular place in the first team during December. 

During the 1979/80 season, Terry made a further forty-four appearances to go past one hundred for the club and continued to impress with his consistency and hard work.

Terry began the 1980/81 season at right back and made over thirty-six appearance that year. He re-joined Dover on a free transfer having made over one hundred and fifty appearances.

Les and Lorraine Yates

We welcome the Yates on Saturday to collect a signed football for a very special event taking place on the 8th December. 

Following the passing of their son Steve four years ago, the family have organised a charity football match, auction and raffle to be hosted at Manston Hoverspeed Club.

The "Steve Yates Shield" will be presented to the winners during an event to raise money for the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide charity. We hope the club's contribution can play a beneficial part in what should be a powerful and poignant event.

Garlinge Primary School  

As part of our ongoing partnership with Thanet Primary Schools Association for School Sport, this weekend we welcome Garlinge Primary School to perform a guard of honour for our player, besides ball boy and girl duties for us.

Cameron Gaffney

On Saturday, we will be celebrating young Gate supporter, Cameron Gaffney’s 10th birthday. Cameron will be bringing a bunch of his friends to Hartsdown for a very special birthday party.

Find out more about the birthday parties we offer for fans (young and old!) by clicking here.

East Kent Mencap 

As part of our ongoing partnership with local charity East Kent Mencap, we are delighted to host some visitors to enjoy our game this weekend. Daniel, Francis, Louis, Stephen, Nick and Tamara will all be welcomed to enjoy – what is for many – their first trip to watch The Gate in action!

Besides these special guests, we need YOU at Hartsdown this Saturday to make lots of noise for the boys as they seek valuable Bostik League points. Purchase your ticket online in advance by clicking here.

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