Margate make the short four-mile trip across Thanet this evening as we face local rivals Ramsgate in the First Round of the GoCardless Kent Senior Cup.
The Blues head to the WW Martin Community Stadium looking to rebuild momentum after a frustrating week that saw us exit both the Velocity Cup and the Isuzu FA Trophy. A midweek penalty shootout defeat to Sheppey United was followed by Saturday’s loss away at Westfield, bringing an end to our Trophy campaign.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh is expected to name a mixed squad for tonight’s derby clash, blending first-team regulars with U23’s and youth prospects. Midfielder Sam Blackman and striker Kieron Agbebi are both set to miss out after picking up injuries in Saturday’s defeat in Surrey.
There is, however, a boost for the Blues with the return of promising youth product Henry Young, who rejoined the club from National League South side Dover Athletic on Monday and is available for selection tonight.
Hosts Ramsgate come into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw away at Billericay Town. Like Margate, the Rams have had a stop-start opening to their league campaign, with their only win coming on the opening day — a 3-2 victory over Whitehawk.
The two sides are no strangers to each other, having met three times last season. They played out a 2-2 draw at Hartsdown Park in the league, before Margate claimed bragging rights with a convincing 4-1 win at Southwood in April. The first meeting came in identical circumstances to tonight — a Kent Senior Cup First Round tie at Ramsgate, which Margate edged 1-0 thanks to a late winner from striker Ibrahim Olutade.
Margate will be wearing their Blue home kit for this evening’s game.
Match Details
- Competition: GoCardless Kent Senior Cup – First Round
- Kick-off: 7:45pm
- Venue: WW Martin Community Stadium, Price’s Avenue, Ramsgate, CT11 0AN
