Margate make the short trip down the Thanet Way as they face Herne Bay in their final game of 2025 in the Isthmian South-East.
The ‘Gate make the journey on the back of three consecutive defeats which has seen them fall nine points behind the Isthmian South-East Play-off places, and below today’s opposition.
The Bay are on a run of positive form having gone four games unbeaten, which includes inflicting a first home defeat of the season on Jersey Bulls last week. The hosts are managed by former Margate defender Liam Friend and assistant Tom Wynter, while Midfielder James Rogers is a player/coach.
The hosts sit two places and three points ahead of the ‘Gate, however the Blues know three points today would see them go above Herne Bay as they have a marginally better goal difference.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh will be able to call upon new signing Joe Taylor after he signed on Christmas Day, whilst Midfielder Sam Blackman is available for selection after serving a two game ban for his red card at Three Bridges at the beginning of the month.
These two sides met three times last season, twice in the league and once in the Kent Senior Cup. The last meeting was New Years Day when the ‘Gate ran out 2-1 winners in the league fixture at The Crest Stadium thanks to a late winner by Manager Greenhalgh. The hosts won 3-0 in the Kent Senior Cup, whilst the league fixture at Hartsdown Park finished 0-0, so expect another tight afternoon as these two sides clash to close the calendar year.
Kick-off at The Crest Stadium is 3pm.
Stadium address
The Crest Stadium
Winch’s Field,
Stanley Gardens,
Herne Bay,
Kent,
CT6 5SG
