By David Hansen
Margate Women kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign on Sunday afternoon with a tough away fixture against higher-league opponents Ashford United at the Green Box Stadium.
Manager George Adams’ side were eager to build match sharpness and cohesion, and they got exactly that against a strong Ashford outfit. The first half was a closely contested affair, with both sides creating chances. It took the hosts 35 minutes to break the deadlock, converting from close range after a smart initial save by Margate goalkeeper Lauren Montgomery.
Just five minutes later, Ashford doubled their lead. A long ball over the top from the Ashford keeper caught the Margate defence off guard, allowing the forward to latch onto it and slot home past Montgomery to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at the interval.
Margate made several changes at the break and came out with renewed energy, immediately applying pressure to the Ashford defence. Despite the strong start to the half, the hosts remained resolute and weathered the early storm.
On the hour mark, Katie George entered the fray and made an instant impact. Her energy and attacking drive lifted Margate’s performance, creating several chances and giving the side a fresh impetus going forward.
Margate’s persistence was finally rewarded as Nicole Adams delivered a superb 40-yard set piece into the area. Michaela Beach brought it down expertly before lobbing the onrushing keeper to open her account for the new season and pull one back for the visitors.
Beach came close to grabbing a second just minutes later, weaving past two defenders before firing narrowly wide of the left post in what would have been a stunning equaliser.
With Margate pushing forward in search of a leveller, Ashford struck a late blow on the counterattack, finding the bottom right corner to seal a 3-1 win in what proved to be a valuable and competitive outing for the ‘Gate.
Margate Women will continue their pre-season preparations next week with a short trip to face Herne Bay on Sunday 10th August. Kick-off is at 3:30pm.
Line-up:
Montgomery, King, Trialist A, Farmery, A Beach, Watson, Greetham, M Beach, Trialist B, Hall, Adams.
Substitutes:
Manning, Butova, Ring, George.
Goals:
M Beach
