Preview from Bognor

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Bognor Regis Town v Margate

 

Saturday 2nd April 2005 - K.O. 3pm

 

Nationwide South

 

With Good Friday's home win over high-flying Thurrock, the Rocks have all-but secured their Nationwide South status for next season.

 

But anybody with ideas of them making a late charge towards a play-off spot, hopes there will have all-but ended following Monday's defeat at Weston Super Mare. This coming Saturday, Margate make their first appearance at Nyewood Lane for exactly 24 years.

 

It was in early April 1981 that the Kent side visited the Lane in a Southern League fixture and were sent packing in a 3-0 win for the Rocks. The current Margate side have lost their last four Nationwide South matches without scoring and have now slipped into the last relegation place - joining Maidenhead and Redbridge.

 

Margate will no doubt be looking on Saturday,to climb above their current 20th position. Bognor however, have won four and drawn one from their last five home matches and will be favourites to continue that run on Saturday, not that anybody will be taking this match for granted.

 

The visitors - managed by Chris Kinnear - have a number of proven Conference players in their squad such as Rocky Baptiste (best known for scoring for Farnborough v Arsenal in the FA Cup) and Che Stadhart (ex- Gravesend).

 

It is a tad surprising that they find themselves in this position, given the quality of many of their players. However, home matches this season have been played at Ashford Town FC as a result of their ground problems regarding the redevelopment of their Hartsdown Park home - a problem all set to be resolved soon.

 

On the opening day of the season, goals from Kevin Murphy, Luke Nightingale and a late winner from Matt Russell gave the Rocks a 3-2 win at Ashford in the corresponding fixture. END: