Hastings United (A) - 30th January 2024

By Josh Cole

A quick turnaround from Saturday as we face consecutive away trips to Sussex, this time taking on Hastings for matchday #27!

Our last game ended in defeat, away to Lewes, as we fell to a 4-2 loss at The Dripping Pan. Read the match report from that match by clicking here.

We continue to be without Sam Blackman and Lewis Knight as they recover from their respective injury concerns. Ben Greenhalgh is eligible to play after serving his 3-game suspension!

OPPONENTS SEASON SO FAR:

Hastings are currently one place outside the playoff places, sitting in 6th on 42 points from 26 games. The U’s started the season strongly, going six games unbeaten (four wins and two draws) to start the season. They didn’t continue their good form however, as they nose dived down the table losing all their next five games which resulted in the departure of manager, Paul Barnes. Following the management change, and the hiring of very popular former manager Chris Agutter, they bounced back to beat us at Hartsdown Park 1-2 which gave them confidence to win their next two games. A loss to Enfield and Canvey sandwiched a 4-0 win over Carshalton, cementing their place in the top half. After the loss to Canvey, Hastings have been on a great run, losing only once in nine games, away to Carshalton. This run saw four draws and four wins, which included their last match against Hashtag United at home, where they won 2-0.

Hastings’ home form has been middle of the range, as they sit 11th in the home table with 21 points at the Continental Pilot Field. The ‘Gate continue to struggle on the road, only picking up six points all season away from home.

View the full league table by clicking here.

LAST FIVE: HASTINGS UNITED

Win vs Cheshunt, away (2-3) League

Draw vs Eastbourne Borough, away (0-0) Sussex County Cup Quarter-Final (Hastings win 2-1 on penalties)

Draw vs Dulwich Hamlet, home (2-2) League

Loss vs Carshalton Athletic, away (2-1) League

Win vs Hashtag United, home (2-0) League

LAST FIVE: MARGATE

Loss vs Folkestone Invicta, home (0-2) League

Loss vs Whitehawk, away (3-2) League

Draw vs Concord Rangers, home (1-1) League

Loss vs Bognor Regis, home (0-2) League

Loss vs Lewes, away (4-2) League

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

In the reverse fixture, it was Hastings who came out on top at Hartsdown Park in October, winning 1-2. The overall head-to-head, dating back to August 2012 favours a draw, with four games ending level. The U’s have won three games whilst Margate have managed only one win against their Sussex counterparts back in 2016 in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round with goals from Daniel Akindayini and Elliott Buchanan.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

The referee for this midweek fixture is Joe McKay. He will be assisted by Stuart McKenzie and Nicholas Monkman.

If you can’t make this Tuesday night trip to Hastings, then head over to our official X account @Margate_fc for live match updates commencing from 7:00pm!

STADIUM ADDRESS

Continental Pilot Field

Elphinstone Road

Hastings

TN34 2AX

UP THE ‘GATE

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