By David Hansen
Margate Women continue their league campaign this weekend following a superb result last time out against Chislehurst Glebe. They now face one of their toughest tests yet as they travel to Tonbridge to take on league leaders Tonbridge Angels, who will be determined to protect their unbeaten start to the South East Counties Women’s Football League season.
The Angels have enjoyed an exceptional start to their campaign, which included a strong run in the FA Cup before bowing out in the final qualifying round against Brentford. In league action, they have been equally impressive — recording an emphatic 11–3 victory over Holland & Blair, a 5–1 away win at Betteshanger Welfare, and most recently edging Kings Hill 2–1.
Central to Tonbridge’s success has been the in-form Grace Mayhead, who has already hit double figures this season with 10 goals and 6 assists in just 7 appearances. She’s been ably supported by Aimee Churchill, who has also made a bright start with 6 goals in 6 games.
The two sides have recent history, most notably in a SECWFL Cup Final, where Tonbridge edged a dramatic contest after extra time. Margate had taken an early lead through JJ Speller, but the Angels’ experience ultimately told as they came from behind to lift the trophy.
Before that, the teams last met back in 2018 in the Kent FA Cup, when Margate claimed a memorable 3–1 victory at Hadlow College. Harriet Galloway struck twice and Lucy Paris added another to send Margate through, where they went on to beat Parkwood Rangers before bowing out to Gillingham.
Manager George Adams reports no new injury concerns ahead of the trip and will be looking to build on the momentum from last week’s victory. With a settled squad and growing confidence, Margate will be eager to test themselves against the division’s front-runners and look to end Tonbridge’s unbeaten run.
