Margate are back in action this weekend as they make the long journey to Suffolk for their second pre-season fixture of the 2025/26 campaign. The clash forms part of a squad bonding weekend for the players and management, as preparations continue to ramp up ahead of the new season.
Saturday’s hosts are Newmarket Town—nicknamed The Jockeys—who compete at the same level as Margate, playing in the Isthmian North Division. They narrowly avoided relegation last season, surviving by just one point, but come into this fixture with strong early pre-season form. After a 4-1 win over Brimsdown FC last Friday, they followed it up with a 2-0 victory away at Haverhill Rovers on Wednesday night.
Margate, meanwhile, will be looking to build fitness and cohesion following their opening pre-season outing—a narrow 3-2 defeat at home to National League South side Tonbridge Angels. Training intensity has stepped up significantly this week as the Blues look to sharpen up ahead of the competitive fixtures.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh returns to the squad this weekend after missing last week’s match due to personal reasons. However, the Blues will be without TT Walters, Sam Blackman, and Kieron Agbebi—the latter recently joining the club on loan.
Supporters may see the return of Brandon Davey, who has been sidelined since picking up an injury during the first session of pre-season training in June.
This will be the first-ever meeting between Margate and Newmarket Town.
Following the game, the squad will enjoy an afternoon at the races in Newmarket as part of their team-building weekend.
Supporters making the journey are welcome, and live team news and goal updates will be shared via the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account throughout the day.
Stadium Address:
The Tristel Stadium
Cricket Field Road
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 8BT
