Whitehawk FC / FA Trophy

[Twist&Shout]

Prior to the match with Whitehawk tomorrow I wanted to see everyones opinions not only on Whitehawk but the FA Trophy itself.

 

After becoming Sussex Campions last year and now around 12th in the Ryman League Division One South, I feel tomorrow will be a step up too high too soon for them; and I can not see past anything but a Margate victory (Even though you never know what is going to happen). I believe the other night against Thamesmead if we had fielded our first XI there is not doubt we would of w on and with our First XI out tomorrow im sure (and hope) it will be a comfortable afternoon.

 

There was a good topic created on here by 'Crusher' which created a great debate over Cup competitions, whetther the league cup, kent cup, FA cup or, FA Trophy (the blog did get a bit heated!). Anyway, after Ian O'Connells comments yesterday (see below) I hope everyone starts t orealise the FA Trophy is a great way to not only generate money but also to get a good cup run and a shot at wembley!

 

“The club needs the money and we want to be in the draw (for the next round) on Monday. So hopefully we can continue (in this competition). As long as we work with a positive attitude and give 100%, we’ll be OK" - IOC Thursday 14th Oct

 

I really hope the prospect of a good cup run gets all the fans motivated and there is a decent crowd tomorrow (Especially as England arent playing for this game - so hopefully more than 108!)

[Crusher]

I think a decent cup run may get the support going again. Which to be honest the club and the players deserve after a couple of poor seasons when we were lucky not to be relegated.

 

Attendences are terrible!!

 

Since i came to this area i keep hearing about the days when 1500 to 2000 fans used to come through the turnstiles. Where are they now?

 

Surely they have not all moved away and there is no competition in the Thanet area.

 

I too believe that we will win tomorrow and hope to see the side continue to improve both in league and Cup.

[BlueGate Alan]

Well said GA11 and Crusher and welcome to the forum!! From your friendly moderator

[Twist&Shout]

haha Thanks Alan

[Twist&Shout]

Oh and By the way, it is true...where are all the fans?! you cant support a team when in the conference then when they go down you forget about them! I used to go to Margate when in Conference, I moved away for around 5 years with uni and work, then I moved back 7 weeks ago and been coming every home game (oh and the odd folkestone away)...once you get Margate in your blood you cant get it out!

Edited October 15, 2010 by GA11

[BlueGate Alan]

[Giorgio]

From your friendly moderator

 

 

Yes DJW is the nice friendly moderator not like that Welsh, Newport , Midget.

[BlueGate Alan]

Better than being a Scottish, Basque, pretending to be Italian, Midget

 

Meant in a friendly way of course

Edited October 15, 2010 by BlueGate Alan

[Jeff Trice]

Don't think it's been mentioned elsewhere but we've actually played Whitehawk once before - an FA Cup tie on their ground during 90/91. Won 1-0 with a Paul Underwood goal, doubt there'll be many people in attendance tomorrow who went to that one. Other link between the clubs is Whitehawk's manager Darren Freeman who was a star signing for us one summer during our Conference years. Played once in a friendly at Folkestone and never featured again. Don't think he played again anywhere until making a few appearances for Whitehawk last season. Don't think he plays anymore though.

[margateshot]

Oh and By the way, it is true...where are all the fans?! you cant support a team when in the conference then when they go down you forget about them! I used to go to Margate when in Conference, I moved away for around 5 years with uni and work, then I moved back 7 weeks ago and been coming every home game (oh and the odd folkestone away)...once you get Margate in your blood you cant get it out!

 

 

As you know GA11 fans are a fickle bunch. A lot only want to come when the team are doing well. Where did all the supporters come from when we played Fulham in the FA cup? There were about 3000 there for Margate yet at the next match we were back to about 500. If we continue to play well they will come back. I think when we won the Southern league to get to the Conference the crowds only increased over the last few matches when they suddenly realised we could get promoted. The support is definately there as our gates in the Conference were around the 1500 mark, so have faith!! Unfortunately that is the case wherever you go in football.

[DEREK]

I think we will get back many fans with good performances, but not as many as we would like,money is hard to come by at the moment for a lot of people which is why with two games a week attendances are low, lets wait for one a week and see how many we get then. In the meantime well done to the 350 regulars.

[Twist&Shout]

Yea I know the support is there - its just so disappointing they all hide away; I mean it will be fantastic if we can get promoted and start to attract more fans, and even better if we could get back in the conference (with abit of financial help could quite easily be done)...hopefully a good cup run starting tomorrow will start to bring in a few more fans out of the wilderness!

[Twist&Shout]

I think we will get back many fans with good performances, but not as many as we would like,money is hard to come by at the moment for a lot of people which is why with two games a week attendances are low, lets wait for one a week and see how many we get then. In the meantime well done to the 350 regulars.

 

 

350 regulars...or 108 (true regulars at the Thamesmead game)...LOL

[Crusher]

That comment Derek is a bit of a worry ?

 

Because success will bring increased admission prices!

 

I wonder what will happen then ?

[Twist&Shout]

And lets not forget when the new stadium / stands are built, season ticket prices will rapidly go up and admission for adults will no longer be £10 (i know its the ball park average for this league - but its criminal!!)

[DEREK]

How much is it to get into a conference game ? Should Cliff start selling season tickets for two years time (at todays prices of course).( Tongue in cheek remark.) Then again that would be a reward for the loyal fans.

[BlueGate Alan]

There is a maximum you can charge GA11 at Ryman Premier League so, unless they say admission can rise all should stay the same.

[Twist&Shout]

Just looked at AFC Wimbledons homepage and their admission prices for adults are £14-£18 for a home game...i think that is ludicrious! Season Tickets are £240 - £340

 

Funny you should say about the 2 year ticket......AFC Wimbledon offer a 5 year one...

 

I think thats a good idea, price freeze for season ticket holders and regular fans..

 

you know when you go in costa coffee and you get those cards where you by 6 coffees and get 6 stamps you get one free..they should do that at Margate...get 25 Stamps (for example for the season) and get discount on season ticket the following year or the same price you bought it the year before..

Edited October 15, 2010 by GA11

[Twist&Shout]

There is a maximum you can charge GA11 at Ryman Premier League so, unless they say admission can rise all should stay the same.

 

Thank you Oracle

[Crusher]

The way this conversation is going there must be competition for vice presidents Alan

 

i vote for Derek

 

Great idea