VS MARGATE
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE | SOUTH EAST DIVISION SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER 2024 | KICK OFF 3PM
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN FC
The Vistavis Community Stadium College Lane | East Grinstead | RH19 3LS Tel: 01342 325885
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Season's greetings one and all and a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Margate.
Well, I don't think any of us who left the ground three and a bit weeks ago after such a poor performance (and result) against Lancing could have imagined that three days later we would have turned over the leaders and title favourites and handed them their first defeat of the season in the league. It is arguably our best performance at this level.
Just as importantly we have taken the confidence gained on and picked up five points from three games since and remained unbeaten. At Herne Bay - a venue we have rarely left without losing - we produced a professional performance to see out a 2-1 victory after fine goals from Ricardo Thompson and Charlie Harris helped us take control.
BUILDING ON A GOOD RESULT
Then away to third-placed Beckenham we twice came from behind to draw 2-2 and, by all accounts, that was a fair result. On Boxing Day we kept plugging away and Connor's brilliant overhead kick in stoppage time was no more than we deserved.
Now, with a few more players back from injury and three of our next four games at home, we can hopefully continue to climb the table and look forward to 2025 with confidence.
Today will be a very difficult test. It's almost like clubs like Margate, Sittingbourne and Ramsgate are in a different league when you consider Margate's 2-2 draw with the Rams attracted a crowd of 2,500 on Boxing Day. We'd be happy to get a tenth of that every week! Anyway, should be a good game and don't forget we are back here on New Year's Day to take on Sevenoaks. Happy new year and... COME ON THE WASPS!
Followuson:
ClubManagement:
Chair & Treasurer: Richard Tramontin
Secretary & Vice chair: Brian McCorquodale
Senior Football Officer: Steve Norris
Head of Recruitment: Matt Wheeler
Commercial Manager: Steve Norris
Club Welfare Officer: Brian McCorquodale
Disability Welfare Officer: Stuart Gibson
Safety & Facilities Officer: Barry Bryant
Bar Manager: Stuart Gibson
Press Officer: Bruce Talbot
ED&I Officer: Andy Dodson
FootballManagement
Manager: Drew Cooney
Assistant Manager and Team Coach: Ian Nicholls
Assistant Team Coach: Steve Sargent, Matt Wheeler
Physiotherapist: Kate Moss
Kit manager: Adam Robinson
Disability Team Manager: Ant Bowler
Youth Coordinator & Development: Jay De Vito
Under-18 Managers: Lewis McDonnell & Kevin Wright
Under-16 Amber Manager: Lewis McDonnell
Under-16 Black Manager: Nigel Leach
Under-14 Manager: Sean Clarabut
Under-12 Amber Manager: Ted Symes
Under 12 Black Manager: Tom Butcher
Under 11 Manager: Ben Payne
FROM THE Dugout
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO TODAY'S GAME AGAINST MARGATE.
Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to Vistavis Community Stadium for this very important Isthmian League fixture. It’s fantastic to see so many of you here, continuing to provide the support that makes all the difference to the team. We enjoyed a competitive 0-0 draw with Margate to open this season, and we welcome Ben and his team this afternoon for what I’m sure will be another good contest.
We enter this match unbeaten in December, having secured two wins and two draws. The boys will be looking to build on the well-earned point from Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw at Eastbourne, aiming to remain unbeaten for the entire month and set us up for the new year. The Eastbourne game was a scrappy affair in tricky conditions, but the team created plenty of chances, and a wonder goal from Connor Tighe earned us a deserved point on the road. While it wasn’t the most polished performance, the resilience shown by the team was commendable, and the spirit was there for all to see.
The whole squad has really bought into the system this month, and it’s been encouraging to see those not starting contributing well when called upon. This depth has allowed us to make positive changes during games and manage knocks and tired legs, especially on the heavy pitches. It’s been a true squad effort, and this flexibility has been key to our recent form, and should help us continue climbing the Isthmian table and looking up, rather than down.
It’s also been particularly pleasing to see the impact of our recent signings, Warren Colman and Luke Harrison. Both have made a significant contribution to the squad since joining, not only providing a much-needed boost but also increasing competition for places, which has driven the players who have been here all season to raise their game. They’ve integrated seamlessly into the group, and it’s clear to see the positive influence they’ve had in training and on matchdays.
Finally, some exciting news to share: young midfielder Oliver Spinks has been awarded a scholarship at a top university football programme in America and will be leaving us in mid-January. Spinksy has been terrific this season, playing a number of positions, and we are all absolutely delighted for him as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in the US. His versatility and work ethic have been a great asset to the team, and he will be missed.
We hope the Grin Army will join us in wishing Spinksy well and continue their fantastic support as we look to end the year on a positive note.
Up the Grinner!
IanNicolls
MARGATE TheAwayEnd
Meet the Gate
Tom Wray
The 21-year-old keeper came through the ranks of the Dartford academy and also had a loan spell with Heybridge Swifts.
Reece Hobbs
Reece, 19, joined us at the start of last season on a dual-reg basis from The Darts where he then provided valuable cover.
Harrison Hatfull
23- year-old Harrison returns to the club this season after leaving Dulwich Hamlet. He has appeared 104 times already in Blue and became a favourite around the ground during his stints at the club.
Harry Hudson
Skipper Harry has been a key player since signing for the ‘Gate at the start of the 22/23 season, and become a real favourite around Hartsdown Park.
Tyrone Sterling Tyrone joined the club at the start of last season and was a key feature in the backline for the ‘Gate playing over 30 times.
Ben Greenhalgh
Ben has been a Blue since the 2021/22 season, with over 100 appearances and 50 goals for the club. Became player/manager this season.
Harvey Brand
Harvey spent last season as captain of Ashford United, appearing 43 times.
Ben Allen
23 year old forward Ben signed in October from Dartford. Other notable clubs he has played for include Harringay Borough, Hungerford, Concord and Aveley.
Familar face in the visitors' squad...
Max Walsh
22 year old Max is a goal scoring attacking midfielder signed in October from Ashford United. His previous clubs include East Grinstead Town, Sevenoaks Town, Bexhill United, Hastings United as well as playing in Dartford Academy under Ben Greenhalgh.
Brandon Davey
Brandon joins us having been at Corinthian for the past three years and has been exceptional in the middle of the park.
Ibrahim Olutade
26-year-old Ibrahim has experience playing in the National League South for both Maidstone and Tonbridge.
Lewis Knight
The 31-year-old centre-back started last season with Ashford United but rejoined Margate having first signed for the club in 2021.
Kai Garande
The 21-year-old plays at left back and was a part of the Charlton and Millwall youth academies.
Jordon Ababio
23-year-old Jordon joins the ‘Gate after departing Folkestone Invicta at the end of last season.
Gabriel Duo
Gabriel featured in the under-23s title winning campaign and was part of the first team squad towards the backend of the 2023/24 season.
Louie Atkins
19-year-old forward Louie was part of Dartford Academy and was on dual registration with us last season.
Enoch Muwonge
The 21 year-old winger came through the Watford academy before he was signed by Welling United.
Jack Peters
20 year old midfielder Jack was signed in November previously playing for Hollands & Blair. He was a product of Ben’s Dartford Academy.
STANDINGS LEAGUE
FIXTURES & RESULTS
2 Nov H Erith Town
5 Nov A Broadbridge Heath
14 Dec A Herne Bay
Wed 1 Jan H Sevenoaks Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 11 Jan H Sheppey United Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 18 Jan A Littlehampton Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Tue 21 Jan A Sittingbourne Isthmian South East 7.45pm
Sat 25 Jan A Lancing Isthmian South East 3pm
FEBRUARY
Sat 1 Feb H Beckenham Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Tue 4 Feb H Burgess Hill Town Isthmian South East 7.30pm
Sat 8 Feb A Merstham Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 15 Feb H Steyning Town Community Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 22 Feb A Ramsgate Isthmian South East 3pm
MARCH
Sat 1 Mar H Three Bridges Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 8 Mar A Erith Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 15 Mar H Herne Bay Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 22 Mar A Hythe Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 29 Mar H Littlehampton Town Isthmian South East 3pm
APRIL
Sat 5 Apr A Sheppey United Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 12 Apr H Sittingbourne Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 19 Apr A Deal Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Mon 21 Apr H Eastbourne Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 26 Apr A AFC Croydon Athletic Isthmian South East 3pm
TBA H Hythe Town Isthmian South East
TEAM LINE UP
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN F.C. MARGATE
Mattie Pierson n n
Warren Colman n n
Oliver Spinks n n
Tom Cadman n n
Michael Wilson n n
Matthew Weaire n n
Glenn Wilson (C) n n
Finlay Lovatt n n
Charlie Harris n n
Connor Tighe n n
Alex Andrade Filipe n n
Omar Folkes n n
Matthew Daniel
Kieran Humpherston
Jabari Christmas
Oluremi Onabanjo
Terlochan Singh n n
Khalifa Jabbie n n
Colours: Amber & Black
Tom Wray n n
Harrison Hatfull n n
Max Walsh n n
Tyrone Sterling n n
Harry Hudson © n n
Jordon Ababio n n
Harvey Brand n n
Ibrahim Olutade n n
Ben Allen n n
Ben Greenhalgh n n
Lewis Knight n n
Reece Hobbs n n
Brandon Davey n n
Gabriel Duo n n
Louie Atkins n n
NEXT MATCH
Sevenoaks Town
Wednesday 1st January 2025
3.00pm
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Maros Valko
Assistant Ref: Robert King
Assistant Ref: Daryl Ann
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN HISTORY
Programmes from the Past by Lester Medcalf
We're going to have a look at a couple of programmes for games played in the past on one of those days between Christmas and the New Year – in both cases against local opponents. First up and going back a few years we have East Grinstead v Lingfield on Saturday 27 December 2008 in division one of the Sussex County League.
Both teams had been promoted at the end of the previous season and, as manager Gavin Neville and Chairman Richard Tramontin both say, Lingfield were enjoying life in division one much more than we were. The programme's league table shows us third from bottom in 18th place with Lingfield in 12th place. They had only won one more game than us but they had picked up many more points from drawn games. We had in fact drawn our most recent match 1-1 against St Francis but had only won one and drawn two of our last 12 league matches.
The programme's match report of that St Francis game tells us that Michael Belli had put us in front halfway through the first half, tapping the ball home after the St Francis keeper had dropped a cross, with St Francis drawing level some 15 minutes from the end of the second half. Lingfield meanwhile were taking a point in their most recent match despite having a player sent off.
So how did the game go – would we at least share the points with Lingfield? Just one goal in the match and it didn't come our way as Lingfield went home with all three points.
Bridges beaten...again
Next up we have a more recent programme for Three Bridges v East Grinstead on Tuesday 27 December 2016. We were now in our third season of the Isthmian South East League of course, though we had both been in the Sussex County League for a number of years.
The programme tells us that ”in the past we (Three Bridges) have had victories over East Grinstead, but they have often been a bugbear to us.” And we had been a bigger bugbear since joining the Isthmian League. In our two and a half years so far in the Isthmian league we had played them seven times (including cup matches) and Three Bridges hadn't yet beaten us. A couple of draws maybe but no Bridges wins. Rather brave of them to say all this in some detail in the programme. The programme's league table shows us in 17th place with Three Bridges, after a recent run of seven consecutive defeats, six places below us. Though they had stopped that horrible run with a 4-3 home win over Guernsey in their last game. One thing that caught my eye was that the Three Bridges squad included three players that are involved with us in 2024/25 – Drew Cooney (who was to sign for us a week of two after the 2016 match), Steve Sargent and Michael Wilson. So did Three Bridges at last beat us, or did we continue to avoid defeat? I wasn't at the game but three goals from our Marcus Elliott and a fourth from Tashi Kwayie counted was better than Three Bridges' two goals. (And our unbeaten run over Three Bridges lasted a few more seasons but was broken in round about 2022/23.)
If you’ve had your memory jogged by this piece then I’d be happy to hear from you at lestermedcalf@btinternet.com.
HERNE BAY 1, EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN 2
First-half goals from Ricardo Thompson and Charlie Harris made it back-to-back wins at a ground where we have a pretty poor record down the years.
MATCH ACTION
