Fourth-placed Margate are the visitors to the Christopher Russell Stadium on Saturday in an important game at both ends of the Isthmian South East Division.

Phoenix’s home form has picked up slightly having won two out of their last three home matches, but Margate represent a massive challenge for Darren Anslow’s men.

Anslow will be back on the touchline having recovered from illness and Harvey Browne also trained in the week and is in contention. Marcel Brown misses out once again through injury.

Margate have made a strong start to the 2023/24 season, winning 10 of their 17 matches and losing just once. Although automatic promotion may be just beyond the Gate, they’ll likely be in contention at the end of the campaign.

Their league season began with three draws: a hard-fought 0-0 against East Grinstead Town at Hartsdown Park, a 2-2 stalemate away at Ashford United with Harvey Brand and Ibrahim Olutade on the scoresheet, and another 0-0 at home to Herne Bay.

They found their stride by winning their next four league fixtures, each by scoring twice. A 2-1 win over Deal Town, featuring goals from Olutade and a dramatic 96th-minute winner by Louie Atkins, arguably sparked their season. Wins against Beckenham, Lancing, and Three Bridges followed, with goal contributions from Brand, Jordan Ababio, and player-manager Ben Greenhalgh.

After taking just one point from their next two games, Margate bounced back with another strong run. A thrilling 3-2 victory over Sheppey United, powered by an Olutade hat-trick, set the tone for further wins against Erith Town, Eastbourne Town, Broadbridge Heath, and Deal in late October and early November.

Recent form has been a bit mixed. A 1-1 home draw with Burgess Hill and a 2-2 draw against Erith Town have seen Margate lose ground on Sittingbourne and Ramsgate at the top of the table.

Olutade has been the standout performer, netting 15 goals in all competitions and a man Phoenix will need to stop this afternoon if they’re going to get anything from the game. Meanwhile, Greenhalgh has continued to justify his dual role with 11 goals of his own.

It will be an emotionally charged day for Phoenix, after the passing of long-serving Vice-Chairman Stephen House on Wednesday devastated all at the club. There will be a minute’s silence before the match and book of condolence for supporters to sign.

Admission
Adults: £10.00 

Over 60s: £5.00 

Young Adult (17-21): £4 

Youth (13-16):£2 

Under 12's: Free with paying adult
 


Matchday programmes are now only online and available here or via the Match Programmes link or at the bottom of this page from Friday evening.
 


Pin badges are available at the turnstile for £3 and scarves for £15. The tea bar and fully stocked bar in the clubhouse will be open. We are located between Crayford and Bexleyheath. The 492 bus stops directly outside and the nearest train station, Barnehurst, is a 15 minute walk away