Hornchurch (H) - 13th April 2024

By Josh Cole

We are straight back into action with only one rest day between these two matches, as we take on league champions, Hornchurch, at Hartsdown Park!

Last time out, we produced an astonishing comeback against Potters Bar on Thursday! Read the full match report from that game by clicking here.

TICKET OFFER: To aid our chances of survival we need the fans. That is why for this game against Hornchurch, an adult will get in free with an U18! Get down to HDP and bring your support for the lads!

OPPONENTS’ SEASON SO FAR:

Hornchurch celebrated winning the league last Saturday by beating Chatham, an incredible season from the Urchins. They completely dominated the league, and they started with intent to never lose a game. From the first game on the 12th August, to the 18th game on the 16th of December, they didn’t lose. Going an incredible 17 unbeaten to start the campaign (14 wins and three draws), no one could keep up and they looked like runaway winners. The closest competitor to them, Chatham Town, managed to end that unbeaten streak, winning 2-1 at the Bauvill. But it didn’t knock their confidence. The Urchins went straight back into another unbeaten run, this time 14 games (10 wins and four draws) to reassert their position of dominance at the top. A loss to promotion chasing Hastings United was their second loss of the season, in March. Another two wins followed but then a third loss came against Wingate & Finchley at home. Their next game was the title decider against Chatham. Despite those two losses, the work had already been done through the season and they managed to pull off a win against Chatham in the 90th minute and secure the league title and promotion to the National League South. Their last result was a 2-0 win at home to Cray Wanderers.

You can view the full league table by clicking here.

LAST FIVE: MARGATE

Draw vs Enfield Town, home (1-1) League

Win vs Cheshunt, away (0-1) League

Draw vs Cray Wanderers, home (1-1) League

Win vs Kingstonian, away (1-3) League

Win vs Potters Bar, away (2-3) League

LAST FIVE: HORNCHURCH

Win vs Whitehawk, away (0-4) League

Win vs Concord Rangers, home (1-0) League

Loss vs Wingate & Finchley, home (1-2) League

Win vs Chatham Town, home (2-1) League

Win vs Cray Wanderers, home (2-0) League

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

The ‘Gate and the Urchins have played 14 times since August 2013, with Hornchurch winning six, Margate winning four and four games ending in a draw. In the reverse fixture we went to Essex but got beat 4-1.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

The match officials for this game are, referee Michael Butcher, and his two assistants being Jack Mottram and Wayne Horsfall.

Not able to make it to HDP for this match? Support the boys from home by heading to our official X account @margate_fc for live match updates commencing from 2:15pm!

UP THE ‘GATE

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