Match Preview: Margate (H)

Jersey Bulls suffered a disappointing defeat last weekend in a game where the boys no doubt would have been gutted in the manner in which the goal was conceded. Despite piling the pressure on, the hosts managed to hold on to claim all three points.

​Saturday’s match sees the Bulls back at Springfield, where we have been fantastic all season and remain the only team in the league yet to lose at home. This displays how important the home crowd has been and why it’s been the base for the successful start to the campaign. This support is something that the boys will be looking to tap into against Margate as this record looks to get extended.

Despite the loss last time out, the Bulls remain inside the top half. A win on the weekend would help us cement this position, as we look to pull away from Eastbourne Town, who currently sit below us on goal difference. Looking upwards, there is currently a five-point gap between Merstham and us. However, with games in hand, it is important that we continue to put pressure on the teams above.

​Our visitors have had an excellent start to the season, currently sitting in fifth. Last season, Margate finished one place higher than this, but suffered playoff heartbreak in their 2-0 defeat away at Burgess Hill. With teams such as Three Bridges and Whyteleafe looking as if they are starting to pull away, it is vital for Margate to continue their excellent run of form.

​Margate are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run, which has included statement wins against Beckenham and Erith, putting seven goals past both. Margate are also coming straight off the back of another fantastic win, running out 5-1 victors against East Grinstead Town. This will make it tough for the Bulls’ defence. However, with the best home defence in the league, it will be equally difficult for Margate to break that down.

​A player for the Bulls to look out for is talisman Ibrahim Olutade. The 27 year old striker joined the club just over a year ago and has settled in quickly. However, Olutade has taken it up another level this season already scoring 15 goals in all competitions, 14 of which have come in the league.

​A win for Margate could see them climb above AFC Croydon Athletic. More importantly for Margate, it is another opportunity to extend the gap from the teams below as they look to stay in the playoff zones.

With kick off at 14:00, make sure to get down to Springfield, in what could be one of the toughest tests of the season so far, so the boys will need more of your excellent support.

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Preview written by Max Bushby-Harris