Tunbridge Wells Foresters (A) - 19th May 2024

By David Hansen

Margate Women go one last time this season as they travel to Tunbridge Wells to take on Tunbridge Wells Foresters in the final game of the season.

With the hosts earning a 3-1 away win against Bromleians last Sunday, it means that 2nd place is unachievable for the ‘Gate ahead of the game. However, with a victory, Margate can still go one point behind their opponents, which would be a great achievement to end the season.

Tunbridge Wells Foresters have only had that game against Bromleians within the last month. Before that, the hosts were crowned Kent FA Plate champions, as they beat Pett’s Wood Ladies 6-1 at the Gallagher Stadium.

A fortnight ago, a heavily rotated Margate squad earned a well-deserved 3-1 away win against Glebe ladies. The squad included several members of development squad in Annabelle Ashby, Emily McCormack, Katie Andrews, Halle Harrington, and Robyn Nicklin.

Both teams have had commendable seasons, and fixtures between the two can often swing in either direction. The hosts themselves are on fine form, but equally Margate have shown great ability and resilience in the last couple of months.

Steph Meek had her say ahead of the final game of the season:

“Here we are at the end of the season and my first full one in post and we hit the road to face Tunbridge Wells Foresters. A close competitor of ours this season with the opposition having pipped us to second place. With a win this weekend, we will sit just one point behind them in third, highly commendable if you ask me.

“As with every game, I expect the team to go into this fixture with a winning mentality and nothing short of it. We may not be fighting for a 2nd place finish but embedding this mindset is key! We are not a team that just gives up, we progress every week, regardless of league standings.”

“We welcome back three of the development team again this weekend. Having impressed against Glebe I have made the decision to invite three back again to compete with the squad.

“Our numbers, however, are looking better this week, with returns and changes in shift patterns, we’re certainly looking healthier than we have towards the tail end of this season.

“I hope to claim another three points this weekend and end on a high, with plenty of positives to celebrate at our end of season awards. Thank you again to our fans for the continued support at home and on the road.”

Last 5 meetings with Tunbridge Wells Foresters:

Margate Women 1-4 Tunbridge Wells Foresters – SECWFL Premier Division - (28/01/24)

Goal: Abbie Greetham

Margate Women 3-1 Tunbridge Wells Foresters – SECWFL Cup 2nd Round - (05/11/23)

Goals: Paige Godden x2, Abbey Luby

Margate Ladies 2-2 Tunbridge Wells Foresters – SECWFL Cup Semi-Final - (05/03/23)

Tunbridge Wells Foresters won 6-5 on penalties.

Goals: Nicole Adams, Rebecca Niblett

Tunbridge Wells Foresters 5-1 Margate Ladies – SECWFL Premier Division - (27/11/22)

Goal: Harriet Galloway

Margate Ladies 3-2 Tunbridge Wells Foresters – SECWFL Premier Division - (30/10/22)

Goals: Amelia Woodgate x2, Becca Slevin

Players to watch:

For Margate this week, we have chosen Rebecca Niblett. Niblett has been in fine form this season, not only generating a high number of assists, but also finding herself one of the teams’ top goalscorers. In recent weeks, Niblett has generated several crucial chances, and scored the opening goal in last week’s fixture. Her pace and tricky footwork prove a challenge for any defender.

For the hosts we have chosen Annabel Stokes who has notched up 18 league goals this season. She was also instrumental in her sides Kent FA Plate final, where she picked up another two goals. Her goals have helped Tunbridge Wells Foresters score 86 goals, just two behind Margate this season as we lead the way for goals scored.

Kick-off for the final game of the season is at 3:00pm at St Gregory’s Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells.

STADIUM ADDRESS:

ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

REYNOLDS LANE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

TN4 9XL

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