Margate still hit with suspensions to key personnel

Margate have slipped down the current form table over the last six games but the hard fought away draw at AFC Wimbledon at the weekend will have been a welcome lift, writes Steve Wells.

Gate are still well placed in the Ryman League Premier Division although from a position of heading the league with a game in hand, the Blues are now right back in the thick of a fascinating promotion battle.

Pat Sappleton came through Saturday’s tough encounter and would clearly be a welcome sight, lining up in the centre of Margate’s defence for the visit of Leyton.

Justin Skinner returns to the side after his three match ban but captain Steve McKimm misses out through suspension for the last time.

Paul Abbott is also missing through suspension and injury and Dean Standen (two games) and Lee Protheroe (one game) are also banned.

Leyton’s form has improved and the East Londoners currently sit above the mid-point of the form table, having won 11 from a possible 18 points from three wins, two draws and just the one defeat (in six games).

When the two sides met earlier in the season, it was Margate that ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.

Jay Saunders opened the scoring for the Blues with his first of the season and then five minutes later, Danny Hockton headed in from Paul Abbott’s cross.

Five minutes before the beak goalkeeper Morgan was judged to have fouled Hockton when they both went for the ball and the referee pointed to the spot; Hockton making no mistake with the penalty.

With 30 minutes remaining, Lee Protheroe completed the scoring when he swept the ball, into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

Commenting after the draw with Wimbledon about the prospect of a number of mid-week matches, Margate’s Lee Protheroe told www.margate-fc.com :  “I’d much rather play games than train. But you expect it as a player – you play Tuesday / Saturday for the first six or seven weeks of the season, and you expect it towards the back end of the season. But we’ve got a good squad and we’re really up-beat.”

The place to catch the best of the match action is of course Hartsdown Park, so why not come along and cheer on the Blues?

But if you can’t be there in person, we’ll have full match commentary on www.margate-fc.com.

And for Tuesday’s game Steve Wells will be joined in the commentary box by Margate’s Lee Protheroe who will be sharing his perspective on the game.

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com

Margate v Leyton
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 6^th March 2007
Kick Of 7:45pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate