By David Hansen
Margate Women are back in SECWFL action today as they welcome Chislehurst Glebe to Hartsdown Park, looking to build on their strong performance against Cray Wanderers last time out.
The ‘Gate will be aiming to draw inspiration from last time they met two seasons ago, both of which ended in victory. The first meeting saw Margate run out 3-0 winners at Hartsdown Park thanks to goals from then-striker Paige Godden, Emily Hall, and Abbie Luby.
A few weeks later, Margate backed up that win with another impressive display, securing a 3-1 victory away in Sidcup. Rebecca Niblett, Luby, and then-forward Tabitha Fitzgerald were all on the scoresheet in a much-rotated Margate side.
This season, Glebe have endured a challenging start to their campaign. They’ve collected just one point in the league so far, alongside a penalty shoot-out win against Croydon in the Adobe FA Cup — a tie in which Beth Bunker found the net.
Since that victory, Glebe have struggled defensively, conceding 21 goals in their next three outings — suffering heavy defeats to Tunbridge Wells Foresters (6-0), Millwall Lionesses (6-0) in the FA Cup, and Maidstone United (9-1) at the Gallagher Stadium.
However, their most recent result showed signs of improvement, as they held Holland & Blair to a goalless draw to earn their first league point of the season — something they’ll look to build on ahead of their trip to Margate.
Team News
Manager George Adams will be without Alesha Beach, who misses out as she continues to follow concussion protocol. Sophie Manning steps into the matchday squad in her place.
Abbie Luby and Natalie Ribas are also unavailable this weekend, opening the door for Lily Ring to return, while Mia Alexander is back in the squad after a long-term knee injury.
Margate will be keen to continue their strong home form at Hartsdown Park and build momentum as the season progresses.
Kick-off at Hartsdown Park is 4:30pm with entry dree to all season ticket holders, youth coaches and players. Adults are £3 and Concessions £1, payable in cash at the entrance to HDP.
