Preview: Margate vs Eastbourne Town

This Saturday, we make the trip to Margate for another clash in the Isthmian League South East Division. Margate away has been marked as a must for supporters, combining football with a visit to this popular seaside destination. This will be our first-ever league encounter and our first fixture since 1975! We competed in the FA Cup that day at The Saffrons, losing two-nil.

A Look at the Hosts

Margate sit in 5th place and have had a solid start to the season with six wins, four draws, and just one loss. They’re currently third in the form guide, with recent wins against top teams like Sheppey United. Ibrahim Olutade, Margate’s star forward, has scored seven league goals, including a hat-trick last weekend in a dramatic 3-2 away win.

Margate are aiming to get back to the Isthmian Premier Division after a narrow relegation last season, so this weekend’s match should be a real battle.

Our Recent Form

After two tough league losses, we bounced back with a strong performance in the Sussex Senior Cup on Tuesday. James Hull’s two goals, with assists from Leon Greig and Marcin Ruda, secured our place in the next round, where we’ll take on Horsham FC. We enter a very tough run of league games now, starting with this trip to Margate, we then entertain undoubtedly Championship contenders Ramsgate and then it’s the reverse fixture of Herne Bay. A mighty challenge lies ahead as we look to pick up more points in our quest to secure Isthmian League status for next season.

Team News

There’s promising news on the injury front. Dan Hull, sidelined with a broken foot, is close to making his return to the squad. While it’s still touch and go whether he’ll be available this Saturday, his comeback is imminent and would add a boost to our defence in upcoming fixtures. Eliot Jenks made his first start on Tuesday since returning from injury and both James Hull and James Stone look to have shaken off their early-season injury issues.

The Weather Forecast In Margate

For Margate on Saturday, October 26th, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy conditions throughout the day, with a high of 16°C and a low of 11°C. While rain chances are low in the afternoon, light rain is possible in the morning with a gentle breeze from the south-west, averaging around 16-20 mph. It will feel comfortable at around 15-16°C with good visibility and a moderate UV index.

Conditions should be decent for an autumn fixture, with the light wind and mild temperatures making for a manageable day for both players and supporters