There’s no time for rest as Invicta head straight into 2024 with a Kent Derby at Hartsdown Park.

Invicta News

We await news on the fitness of a few players; Ian Gayle and Ira Jackson both missed Saturday’s defeat to Hashtag United through injury while Toby Byron was only fit enough for the bench having been caught with a tackle on Boxing Day.

Seidou Sanogo returns having been unavailable on Saturday and winger Jordon Ababio returns from his loan at Faversham Town.

Previously

The sides have already met 3 times so far this season, with Invicta taking the 3 points at the Alcaline Stadium in August before Margate progressed in an FA Cup replay in September.

Last season’s league trip to Hartsdown Park saw Invicta come away 1-0 winners thanks to an early goal from Ibrahim Olutade, although Margate won the Velocity Cup 4th Round clash between the clubs earlier in the season.

The Opposition

Like Invicta, Margate have had a change of management since the clubs last met with former Hornchurch manager Mark Stimson taking over from Reece Prestedge. Margate have taken 2 points from 3 games since the appointment, a defeat to Carshalton Athletic followed by draws with Kingstonian and Cray Wanderers.

Harrison Hatfull has recently departed for Dulwich Hamlet and player-coach Phil Roberts departed at the beginning of December, while The Gate have added Josh Tobin, Taner Dogan and Ellis Ashworth to their squad since the change of manager.

The Venue

We are due for rain during the match but Hartsdown Park offers cover on 3 sides of the ground, with a small stand at the north end of the ground, a stand along the west side of the pitch and a covered terrace at the south end that houses the bar.

Travel

Always check rail times/strike action before you travel. 

Please note that there are no rail services running between Ashford and Dover on New Years Day so a rail replacement service will be required in either direction before a train to Margate.

An alternative route is the 16 bus from Folkestone to Canterbury to then catch the rail service from Canterbury West.

Admission  

You can pay on the gate or buy tickets in advance online here