Margate welcome SCEFL Premier Division side Sutton Athletic to Hartsdown Park on Tuesday evening for their final pre-season fixture at home, ahead of the 2024/25 league campaign which kicks off on Saturday 9th August.
The Blues will round off their pre-season preparations with an away trip to National League South side Dover Athletic this coming Saturday, but all eyes now turn to Tuesday’s match under the lights at Hartsdown Park.
With the season just ten days away, Manager Ben Greenhalgh is expected to name a strong starting XI. Finn Saunders returns to the squad after missing Saturday’s 2-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet, while George Lamb is set to feature for the final time this summer before returning to the United States for the final year of his studies.
Greenhalgh paid tribute to Lamb’s continued connection with the club:
“It is great to be able to involve George whilst he is back in the country. He has come through the youth section here and it’s fantastic to continue playing a part in his development.”
Greenhalgh was also on the scoresheet at the weekend, alongside Tom Derry, as Margate secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Isthmian Premier Division outfit Dulwich Hamlet.
Tuesday’s opposition, Sutton Athletic, have already kicked off their league campaign, earning a 1-1 draw at home to Faversham Strike Force thanks to a late equaliser. Among their ranks is Taylor Fisher, a familiar face to Margate fans following his previous spell at Hartsdown Park.
Looking ahead, Sutton Athletic will be in FA Cup action this weekend as they travel to Seaford Town for their Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie.
Supporting the Community
Tonight’s fixture has been dedicated to the Margate FC Community Trust, with entry on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Trust’s vital community work, including the Friday Homeless Project held weekly at Hartsdown Park. More information about the Trust’s work can be found here.
