The sides have clashed twice already earlier this season when, twice in less than a week the Hamlet emerged victorious both home and away. On a Tuesday night at Champion Hill in front of more than 400 fans, Margate had the better of the chances none more so than former Hamlet hitman Paul Vines who missed a glorious one on one chance with Phil Wilson to give the visitors the lead. The Kent side paid for their profligacy on the stroke of half time when a sublime Kevin James free kick put the Pink and Blues into the driving seat. The scone half was very much nip and tuck with the ‘Gate pressing for an equaliser whilst Dulwich had the openings to add to their lead. With but a few minutes left on the clock came the killer blow as Dulwich doubled their lead, Erhun Öztümer's cross being smartly turned home by Ian Daly from close range to secure the points.

The following Saturday Dulwich made the long trek down to Hartsdown Park with a healthy following in their wake, the pink and blue of the South London Jolly Boy’s Outing adding an extra splash of colour to vibrant arena. Dulwich had the better of the early exchanges, Jerome Walker firing wide and Ellis Green being denied by a fantastic save from home custodian Craig Holloway, absent from the league game and still bearing the scars of ornery Grays boot. As if to mirror the midweek encounter it was the home side who took the lead, despite their guests’ better openings. In karmic fashion bang on the stroke of halftime and needless tug on the sleeve of Matt Bodkin allowed Charles Ademeno to rifle a spot kick past Wilson. Though substitute Phil Walsh struck the woodwork within moments of arriving as half time replacement for the ineffectual Vines, Dulwich would strike back six minutes in as Ellis Green ghosted in behind a oblivious defence to plant the perfect header past Holloway. Ten minutes later the home defence were all at sea as Ötzümer's corner went uncleared before Ethan Pinnock latch on to who swivelled before drilling the ball back across the dive of Holloway and home.

Since that meeting much water has flowed under the bridge at the ‘Gate. Two months after their FA Cup exit and with the club out of the FA Trophy and struggling to maintain some consistency in the league goalkeeper Holloway stepped down from his joint managerial role leaving Simon Osborn holding the reins. However, despite getting a point at home to Canvey Island in his first game in sole charge, a 3-0 defeat at home to Hastings United saw Margate exit the Robert Dyas Cup next time out. Beaten 5-3 at Bognor Regis, Margate slipped to 11th place in the Premier Division, a result too far for the board, as a contrite Osborn was shown the door. The club moved swiftly to install Terry Brown, as their new manager after more than a year in the football wilderness for the man who famously took AFC Wimbledon into the Football League.

A tough task awaited for the new man in the hot seat with a trip to highflying AFC Hornchurch and whilst the ‘Gate strove valiantly it was not to be as the Essex side emerged best of five winners, 3-2. Though a valuable point was collected at home to Hampton and Richmond Borough pre-Christmas, Boxing Day proved a trying afternoon as Maidstone rode roughshod over their Kentish rivals in 4-0 rout though they were not too shell-shocked to record their first win under the new boss two days later as Joe Vines proved an unlikely match winner with the only goal of the home victory over Enfield Town. However, his reward was the P45 as, along with fellow defender Elliott Cox, he bade his farewells to Hartsdown Park. With the club 14 points adrift of the playoff places after a 3-2 home defeat against Hendon, Brown, perhaps prematurely some supporters suggested, set in motion rebuilding plans for his side to challenge for next season with the new management having already brought in five players since their arrival and a number of regular starters frozen out of the new regime's plans. Midfielder Scott Kinch and Ryan Dolby were not selected in the 16-man squad for that Hendon defeat with Kinch crossing the Thames to Canvey Island last week. Against Hendon Margate had three debutants in their starting eleven, Antony Riviere, Sam Rents and James Folkes all wearing the blue and white for the first time after joining from Sutton United along with Jamie Stuart and Dean McDonald from the Gander Green Lane club. A promising start but ultimately a disappointing one as, despite leading 2-1 at the break Margate found themselves beaten in the second half as goals from Casey MacClaren and a wonderfully struck winner from Anthony Thomas earned all three points for the visitors.

This evening’s game kicks off at 7.45 pm at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent. CT9 5QZ

MATCHDAY ADMISSION PRICES

Adult: £10.00
Concession: £7.00 (Concessions apply to: Male OAP 65 years and over, Female OAP 60 years and over, Student with Student Card.)
Under 16: £3.00
First child Under 10 accompanied by Adult: FREE
Admission after half time will be charged at: Adult £5.00, Concession* £3.50, Under 16 £1.50.
Transfer to Stand (seating): £1.00

Supporters are asked to retain their tickets for possible inspection whilst in the stadium.

Programmes: £2.00