Margate vs Corinthian-Casuals
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 8th February 2020 - 3pm
Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate CT9 5QZ
For any Corinthian-Casuals fan who was party to the first 45 minutes of Isthmian Premier football last year, the trip to Margate wasn’t such a jolly boys outing.
James Bracken’s newly-promoted Casuals had a shock welcome to Step 3 football, finding themselves 5-0 down at the half time interval. Keeper Mo Maan struggled with a back injury early doors, himself deputising for the crocked Danny Bracken. Five shots… five goals.
But by quarter to five, there was more to be optimistic about the season ahead; Casuals had won the second half 2-0, missing a penalty and a goal-line scramble in the process. A good away contingent playfully cheered with their newly-bought inflatables, but it was a wake-up call to several players as to what was required from the very first minute at this level.
Skip ahead to February when the two teams met again and both sides were around the same position in the league table. In fact, Ex Maidstone boss Jay Saunders had just taken over at Hartsdown Park and that ‘new manager bounce’ paid off, with Gate winning 3-0 at King George’s. It wasn’t a great return – in fact, Margate secured the best ‘aggregate’ win over Casuals of any opponents last season.
Now, Casuals once again embark on a journey down to the Kent coast in search of their first league win over Margate. Earlier this campaign, a first minute Elliott Reeves goal was added to by Hafeez Sanusi before Brad Wilson gave Casuals hope ten minutes from time. Alas, it was too little, too late and Margate took the points once again.
However, Bracken’s side (of those who remain from two years prior) will remember how to win on the 3G at Hartsdown Park. The Casuals won on penalties in the Velocity Trophy back in October 2017 following a dramatic 2-2 draw (pic). That run saw the Amateurs make it all the way to the semi-finals, scaring Tamplin’s Billericay in the process.
Margate come into this game on the back of two league defeats. A 3-0 loss to Enfield Town was surprisingly followed up with a 1-0 loss to Merstham (we could’ve done without that). Casuals will also take heart in the fact that Margate have only won three times at home in the league this season. Only Bowers & Pitsea, Lewes and Wingate have worse records. However, Casuals aren’t too hot on the road but have won on artificial surfaces twice this season (the aforementioned Bowers and Woodford Town).
Look out for some talented players in Jay Saunders’ squad. Daniel Kaddell is their current top scorer with 12 goals. Noel Leighton and Elliott Reeves are each just one behind. Also look out for Chris Sessegnon – he’s the older brother to twins Ryan (Tottenham Hotspur) and Steve (Fulham).
To find your way to Hartsdown Park, it’s on Hartsdown Road in Margate CT9 5QZ. Margate railway station is approximately 10 minute walk to the ground.
Kick-off is at 3pm. Prices for admission are £11 for adults, £8 concessions*, young persons (aged 11-17) can enter for a fiver and Children under the age of 11 come free with an accompanying adult.
* A concession is defined by the club as Males over 65, Females over 60 and Disabled Fans.
Isthmian League Premier Division
Saturday 8th February 2020 - 3pm
Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate CT9 5QZ
For any Corinthian-Casuals fan who was party to the first 45 minutes of Isthmian Premier football last year, the trip to Margate wasn’t such a jolly boys outing.
James Bracken’s newly-promoted Casuals had a shock welcome to Step 3 football, finding themselves 5-0 down at the half time interval. Keeper Mo Maan struggled with a back injury early doors, himself deputising for the crocked Danny Bracken. Five shots… five goals.
But by quarter to five, there was more to be optimistic about the season ahead; Casuals had won the second half 2-0, missing a penalty and a goal-line scramble in the process. A good away contingent playfully cheered with their newly-bought inflatables, but it was a wake-up call to several players as to what was required from the very first minute at this level.
Skip ahead to February when the two teams met again and both sides were around the same position in the league table. In fact, Ex Maidstone boss Jay Saunders had just taken over at Hartsdown Park and that ‘new manager bounce’ paid off, with Gate winning 3-0 at King George’s. It wasn’t a great return – in fact, Margate secured the best ‘aggregate’ win over Casuals of any opponents last season.
Now, Casuals once again embark on a journey down to the Kent coast in search of their first league win over Margate. Earlier this campaign, a first minute Elliott Reeves goal was added to by Hafeez Sanusi before Brad Wilson gave Casuals hope ten minutes from time. Alas, it was too little, too late and Margate took the points once again.
However, Bracken’s side (of those who remain from two years prior) will remember how to win on the 3G at Hartsdown Park. The Casuals won on penalties in the Velocity Trophy back in October 2017 following a dramatic 2-2 draw (pic). That run saw the Amateurs make it all the way to the semi-finals, scaring Tamplin’s Billericay in the process.
Margate come into this game on the back of two league defeats. A 3-0 loss to Enfield Town was surprisingly followed up with a 1-0 loss to Merstham (we could’ve done without that). Casuals will also take heart in the fact that Margate have only won three times at home in the league this season. Only Bowers & Pitsea, Lewes and Wingate have worse records. However, Casuals aren’t too hot on the road but have won on artificial surfaces twice this season (the aforementioned Bowers and Woodford Town).
Look out for some talented players in Jay Saunders’ squad. Daniel Kaddell is their current top scorer with 12 goals. Noel Leighton and Elliott Reeves are each just one behind. Also look out for Chris Sessegnon – he’s the older brother to twins Ryan (Tottenham Hotspur) and Steve (Fulham).
To find your way to Hartsdown Park, it’s on Hartsdown Road in Margate CT9 5QZ. Margate railway station is approximately 10 minute walk to the ground.
Kick-off is at 3pm. Prices for admission are £11 for adults, £8 concessions*, young persons (aged 11-17) can enter for a fiver and Children under the age of 11 come free with an accompanying adult.
* A concession is defined by the club as Males over 65, Females over 60 and Disabled Fans.