Season Review - August Edition

By Ryan Day

We take a look back at the 2018/19 season in instalments as the Blues enjoyed a roller coaster season which culminated in the return of a club legend as Manager, but how did the season begin?

The Blues started the 2018/19 season under the stewardship of new joint managers Steve Brown and Mike Sandmann after the departure of former Manager Steve Watt in the summer after narrowly missing out on the play-offs the season before.

With the majority of the squad still on two year deals, Brown and Sandmann still could call on the likes of star players Frannie Collin, Tom Wynter, James Rogers which combined with summer acquisitions of Joe Taylor, Alex Brown and goalkeeper Henry Newcombe gave off a feel of genuine excitement at another push on the play-offs.

In front of over 500 spectators on the opening weekend of the season it appeared that the ‘Gate would signal their intentions early on, racing into a 5-0 lead before half-time against newly promoted Corinthian Casuals with Basille Aristride, Tom Wynter, Alex Brown twice and Frannie Collin all on target as the Hartsdown Park faithful enjoyed an opening day 5-2 victory.

Despite the good start, supporters were under no illusions that the next fixture away to title favourites Dorking Wanderers who included the likes of former Blues Lewis Taylor, Luke Moore and Jason Prior would be a sterner test and it proved just that as Prior slotted home a penalty that condemned the ‘Gate to a 2-0 defeat.

Despite the setback against Dorking, Margate stormed back into action, even rather later than usual thanks to severe traffic delays on the M25 as they overcome Brightlingsea Regent 3-0 away from home, despite kick off being delayed for 30 minutes. A first competitive goal in a Blues shirt from Joe Taylor combined with a double from Frannie Collin sent Margate on their way to another decisive win and up to 4th in the table in the early standings.

Attentions turned briefly towards the Kent Senior Cup as Margate fielded an experimental starting eleven against Bostik South East side Hythe Town. Despite a second goal of the season for Aristride, the ‘Gate fell to a limp 3-1 defeat exiting the competition at its first hurdle.

The Bank Holiday weekend saw Margate welcome Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels managed by former Margate Midfielder Steve McKimm to Hartsdown Park. The Angels had started the season in superb fashion and struck twice in front of a crowd of 648 to condemn Margate to a 2-0 home defeat thanks to goals from former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Tom Beere and Alex Reid.

The Blues completed the month of August with a long trip to Whitehawk on the Bank Holiday Monday. The weather was a s miserable as the football as both sides restricted each other to a bore 0-0 draw as the Gate finished the month having played six competitive games of which they won two, lost three and completed the month with their solitary draw. 

Throughout the month a total of 2,257 supporters saw the ‘Gate in action, whilst Frannie Collin netted the most with three goals.

Check back tomorrow to find out how September looked for the ‘Gate, could they bounce back from a shaky end to August and how would we fare in the Emirates FA Cup?

More news