Canvey Island look to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they host Margate at the Moviestarr Stadium in the Isthmian League Premier.
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The Opposition
The Gate come into this game having enjoyed a solid but mixed start to the season, with three wins slotted alongside three losses in their opening six league games.
In the cup they have fared better however, defeating Hendon away from home before finally downing leaguemates Folkestone Invicta following a replay on Tuesday evening. They ran out 3-1 winners away from home, setting up a tie away at Chesham United in the 3rd Qualifying Round.
Player manager Ben Greenhalgh will be looking to build on a disappointing 22/23 campaign this year following a lowly 17th placed finish last season. Alongside himself on the pitch, he has plenty of experience to call upon, with players like Sam Blackman, Steve Cawley and Tyrone Sterling able to provide a considerable challenge for any side in the division.
This will be our 17th competitive meeting with Margate in all competitions. Our last meeting back in March saw Canvey winning a thrilling 5-2 encounter at the Moviestarr Stadium, with Elliott Ronto, Bradley Sach and an Evans Kouassi hatrick being the deciding factors on the day.
The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, suffered a heartbreaking exit from the Emirates FA Cup on Tuesday evening, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat in Extra Time away at Conference South side Braintree Town.
Evans Kouassi has put the Gulls ahead on the stroke of halftime in a well fought replay, but in the dying seconds of eight additional minutes, Kyran Clements equalised for the home side, with Aaron Blair scoring a brace in the second period of Extra Time to condemn Canvey to cruel exit from the competition for another year.
Manager Brad Wellmen had a near full compliment of players to chose from on Tuesday evening, with the recently absent Joe Paxman named amongst the substitutes. Elliott Johnson remains absent for Saturdays match however as he recovers from longer injury.
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The Gulls will be looking to round out September with a win before the beginning of a long and challenging October ahead.
Yellow Army, you traveled in great numbers to support the boys away from home on Tuesday night - something greatly appreciated by Brad, Sammy and the squad after a difficult evening.
Your support at home is always the difference and we know it'll be no different at the weekend as we back the team to another three points.
See you all on Saturday!
Come on you Gulls!
Admission Prices*
Adults - £12
Concession - £7
U16s - £2
*Cash and card payments accepted at the gate.
Merchandise
There is a range of Merchandise available from behind the bar, including the 23/24 home and away shirts!
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open throughout the game, serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
We'll also have live football from the on our big screens in the clubhouse, including;
12:30 - Woking vs York City (Vanarama National League)
17:00 - Brentford vs Everton (Premier League)