Margate return to Hartsdown Park on Saturday as they welcome Isthmian North Division side Concord Rangers for their fourth pre-season fixture of the 2025/26 campaign.
Following the release of the new Isthmian South East Division fixtures on Thursday, the ‘Gate now know they will open their league season at home against newly promoted Jersey Bulls on Saturday, 9th August, with kick-off at 1pm.
With the season opener drawing closer, manager Ben Greenhalgh—who will be absent this weekend for personal reasons—will be hoping his side can continue building match fitness and developing tactical cohesion after a positive outing on Tuesday night.
Despite a Greenhalgh goal, Margate fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Whitstable Town, but there were encouraging signs in terms of fitness and tactical structure as preparations for the new season continue to take shape.
Saturday’s visitors, Concord Rangers, are familiar opponents. Both clubs were relegated from the Isthmian Premier Division two seasons ago, and their most recent meeting came almost exactly a year ago, when Margate secured an emphatic 4-1 pre-season win at Hartsdown Park.
Unlike Margate, Concord endured a difficult first season at Step 4, finishing 16th in the Isthmian North Division. They come into this fixture on the back of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Isthmian Premier League side Aveley on Tuesday evening.
There are strong connections between the two clubs, with Ben Greenhalgh and current Margate assistant Adam Flanagan having played influential roles in Concord’s rise to the National League South in 2015 and again in 2018.
Midfielder Sam Blackman also featured for them as they made it all the way to Wembley to feature in the 2020 FA Trophy final.
Match Information:
Kick-off: 3pm
Turnstiles open: 1:30pm
Venue: Hartsdown Park
Admission Prices:
Adults: £5
Concessions: £3
Season Ticket Holders & Under-18s: Free
Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here
