TFM - December 2024

DECEMBER 2024

BOXING

DAY DERBY

SPECIAL FREE

Pick me up & take me home

Ibrahim Olutade | Alfie Paxman | Fan Focus | Sunday League & more

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CONTENTS pg 12-14 2-5 Whole Lotta History 6 Previous Boxing Day Clashes 8-9 Derby Clashes from 1967/68 10-11 Players Thoughts on the Derby 12-14 Interview - Alfie Paxman 16-17 Margate FC Mens Update 18-19 Ramsgate FC Mens Update 20-21 Margate Womens Update 22-23 Ramsgate Womens Update

24-27 Fan Focus - Stephen Beerling 28-29 Competition Winner 30-31 Interview - Ibrahim Olutade 32-33 Interview - Mark Munday 34-37 History Makers - Minster FC 38-39 Rule The Court - Yo! Street Zone 40-41 End Domestic Abuse 42-43 Remembrance Day 46-51 Youth Team Focus’ 52-53 ‘Story Time’ Initiative 54-56 Sunday League - November Overview

pg 30-31

EDITORS NOTES

As usual, we have been blessed with an amazing response to the magazine. We’d like to thank everyone for all the kind comments and feedback as well as suggestions for more future content. We aim to cover all areas of Thanet football news, so if you would like to be featured, or if you have any ideas then please get in touch.

This issue is in celebration of the Thanet Derby between Margate & Ramsgate. We’ve kindly been given access to historical information from players and fans, giving an insight into previous clashes and what they mean to the local community.

Russel Goldsmith Publisher

WRITTEN BY DARIUS SARRAFAN & ROB BUTLER

WHOLE LOTTA HISTORY

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MARGATE AND RAMSGATE ARE BOTH TOWNS WITH GREAT POTENTIAL. THEY ENJOYED THEIR HEYDAYS IN THE DAYS BEFORE MASS AIRLINE TRAVEL AS TOURIST DESTINATIONS, BUT BOTH RETAIN THE CHARM OF THIS ERA, ALBEIT WITHOUT THE POTENTIAL BEING UNLOCKED. The famous lidos the towns were known for were unique and aesthetically pleasing, but sadly have been consigned to history. Instead, the harbours grab the attention these days, with attractive new bars and restaurants appearing all the time.

The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate still entertains many, whilst the Winter Gardens sits a sleeping giant whilst Dreamland thrives in Margate. The Turner Centre has brought a new economy to the area, whilst the port at Ramsgate continues to lie frustratingly derelict.

Despite this potential, there are wards in both towns that continue to be amongst the most deprived areas in the Country - with youth unemployment the highest in the Southeast.

The landscape from a footballing point of view has been very similar with both clubs showing glimpses of their ability to grow. Margate have enjoyed spells as high as the National League Premier Division (known as the conference back then) and won the Kent Senior Cup three seasons in a row during that period. Since then, however, it’s been a steady decline for the blue side of Thanet - with demotion from the Conference followed by a second consecutive relegation. They haven’t recovered since.

Ramsgate, on the other hand, spent two seasons in the heady heights of the Ryman Premier Division, winning the league cup in the process. Those few seasons aside, however, it has been a somewhat meandering period for the Rams. The club had been happy with retaining its status as a Step Four club - until James Lawson took the reins in 2019.

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On the pitch records are being broken whilst growth off the pitch has been exponential - with crowds now averaging around 1000 compared to 150 previously. Over 950 youth players, both male and female, now play under the Ramsgate banner, with the 3G pitch at the club’s WW Martin Community Stadium now in daily use.

With regard to the Thanet Derby itself, clashes have been few and far between in recent years. With Margate historically having been higher in the pyramid for so long, clashes have tended to be restricted to cup games. With the rise of Ramsgate and decline of Margate in recent years, a clash in the league looked inevitable at some point - with the teams set to clash on Boxing Day in a league game for the first time since 2009.

There have been some memorable games between the two sides in the past. In 1968, the Southern League Cup Final saw a combined attendance of 11,605 over three games, with Margate winning the replay 3-1 after the scores were level after the home and away legs. John Fahy scored a hat trick in his last game for Margate, with future prime minister Edward Heath in attendance for the second leg.

There was also 1999’s FA Cup Second Qualifying Round clash at Southwood, also won by the blue side of Thanet this time 3-0. A chasm between the two sides opened up in the footballing pyramid after this, with Margate reaching the heights of the Conference Premier Division back in 2001. This wouldn’t last, however, as within five years the sides would find themselves in the same league after successive relegations for Margate coupled with Ramsgate winning the Ryman Division One South.

For over 50 years, The Rams had found themselves playing second fiddle to The ‘Gate in Thanet’s hierarchy. Promotion from the Kent League in 2005 and Isthmian Division One in 2006, combined with Margate’s free fall from the top half of The Conference (now National League), resulted in the sides being in the same division for the first time in over 30 years.

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The Boxing Day and Easter derbies that occurred over the following three seasons were all hotly contested, with the honours even over the course of the six games. Ramsgate won two, Margate won two and there were two draws along with an additional League Cup win for the Rams in 2006.

Being at the same level as Margate again was a huge boost to not only Ramsgate supporters, but players and management too. “As a squad, our motivating factor when in The Kent League was to catch Margate,” said former Ramsgate midfielder Simon Pettit.

“We had a great young group of local players, and when we said to Jim and Danny Ward we wanted to catch them they just thought we were brash youngsters! The Gazette was full of Margate write ups and interviews, whilst we received no coverage at all. I set up the KM Thanet Cup in 2005 and the Margate players hated it! They moaned about our pitch, how rough we were and the state of our dressing rooms.

The disrespect really helped us to keep going and show them what we were.”

Full of local players, mainly Sunday League graduates, little respect was given to the Rams from the Margate boss at the time, Robin Trott. His team consisted mainly of former professional and National League players. In his pre-season preview, the former Stevenage centre-back declared “I hope we smash’em, I hope we shut them up once and for all.”

This was the line that founded the backbone of the two clubs’ banter over the next few seasons.

For the first time since those days, the two clubs find themselves in the same division once again this season.

Despite the two fixtures set as Boxing Day and Easter Monday, supporters only had to wait a month into the season to get their derby fix as the pair were drawn together in the league cup at the WW Martin Community Stadium. Margate won the game 1-0 but will feel fortunate to have come away with the win as they were dominated for long spells by the Rams.

“AS A SQUAD, OUR MOTIVATING FACTOR WHEN IN THE KENT LEAGUE WAS TO CATCH MARGATE,” SIMON PETTIT - EX RAMSGATE

Dependant on your age, or when you started following local football in the area, you are sure to have a strong memory of your first Isle of Thanet Derby.

It is a contest that captures the very essence of what non-league and local football stands for - and is something that has sadly been lost in the higher tiers of football. It’s the spectacle of two towns going hammer and tong for local bragging rights. Who will have the run of the office banter for the next week?

Who will rule the WhatsApp group chats?

The landscape of football in Thanet is changing. Since James Lawson took over as chairman, Ramsgate has seen a steady increase in not only attendances, but with the youth setup and community schemes too. The club runs a HAF programme that was attended by 450 children this past Summer - with each child experiencing a helicopter ride in the process!

From having the country’s first ever fixed Panna cages at a football stadium in 2020 to the opening of a 3G pitch at home to a Tottenham Hotspur Under 21 side, the WW Martin Community Stadium has also undergone radical change. A new bar and terrace area was built in the Summer of 2022 by the corner flag at the town end - with the bar being christened ‘Stupps’ Bar’ in honour of lifelong Rams fan Kevin Stupples, who sadly passed away suddenly this past Summer.

Attendances, having historically always been dwarfed by Margate’s, have now been turned on its head. Ramsgate routinely have 1000 people through the gate on a matchday, whereas Margate average under 500. Momentum is growing on the red side of Thanet - and that elusive promotion is sure to follow at some point in the near future.

The fans’ focus, for now, continues to be Boxing Day. With Ramsgate’s 1000 allocation selling out in the space of just 36 hours, anticipation is at an all-time high for a football match in Thanet. All that remains to be seen is who will take home the bragging rights.

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JEREMY JACOBS ON

PREVIOUS BOXING DAY DERBY CLASHES MARGATE FOOTBALL CLUB HAS PLAYED RIVALS RAMSGATE FC NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY YEARS OR SO, WITH MANY ENCOUNTERS TAKING PLACE OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD. HOWEVER, THERE HAS ONLY BEEN FIVE MATCHES PLAYED AT HARTSDOWN PARK ON BOXING DAY INVOLVING RAMSGATE FC OR OTHER RAMSGATE SIDES.

Tottenham Hotspur in January 1973 and for the rest of the 72/73 season. This was the third occasion where a serious injury had kept Ken out of an important match. He missed the famous Colchester United – Leeds FA Cup clash in February 1971 and also the Watney Cup Final against West Bromwich Albion.

The last encounter was in 2007. Margate won 1-0 with the goal scored by James Pinnock who went on to score 57 times for Margate in 157 appearances.

The only pre-war match on Boxing Day was a 3-1 victory for Margate over Ramsgate Press Wanderers in 1933.

One has to go back to the early 1970’s for the previous Boxing Day match. A tense affair ended in a 0-0 draw. In the Margate side was Norman Fusco with his brother Ricky turning out for the Rams. Graham Sawyer, the former Rams player, was in the midfield for Margate. With 15 minutes remaining, Margate forward Ken Jones, the former Colchester and Millwall player, suffered a broken leg. The injury kept him out of Margate’s FA Cup tie against

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In 1958, the Boxing Day match ended in a narrow victory for Ramsgate in the short-lived Thames and Medway Combination. Both sides played in their last Kent League campaigns in the 1958/59 season before joining an expanded Southern League for the 1959/60 season.

After the start of hostilities in 1939, Margate FC was placed in a “wartime” league, called the Kent Regional League, before it was disbanded in 1940. Margate beat Ramsgate Grenville, another Ramsgate-based club, 3-1 at Hartsdown Park on December 26th, 1939. Football would not return to Hartsdown until 1946.

Article provided for the Thanet Football Magazine by the Margate FC History Website which is due to be re-launched.

ARTICLE PROVIDED FOR THE THANET FOOTBALL MAGAZINE BY THE MARGATE FC HISTORY WEBSITE WHICH IS DUE TO BE RE-LAUNCHED.

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PETER WINKWORTH ON

THE DERBY CLASHES FROM 1967/68 IN OCTOBER 1967 MARGATE OVERCAME RAMSGATE IN A THRILLING FA CUP 3RD QUALIFYING TIE AT A WET AND WINDY HARTSDOWN PARK. Kicking down the considerable slope in the first half, Margate stormed into a 5-1 lead. However, the Rams used the conditions to their advantage after the break to reduce the arrears to just one goal until a sixth goal from Margate’s Phil Amato settled the tie 6-4 in front of 3,188 fans.

Coincidentally, during the previous season Margate had also triumphed 6-4 in the Southern League clash at Hartsdown.

Near the conclusion of the 1967/68 season both sides fought through to the final of the Southern League Cup - a competition with a good deal more significance than in recent years.

Margate were favourites to prevail, given their status in the Premier Division of the Southern League, but the two-legged affair brought about two tense encounters that resulted in a 1-1 aggregate score.

Margate won the toss for the venue of the replay and a John Fahy hat-trick meant that Margate ran out 3-1 winners at

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Hartsdown. The three games were watched by a total of 11,605 fans!

Both clubs had battled through very lengthy seasons Margate’s long standing captain Bob Harrop was playing his 80th match of the campaign in the replay!

GREAT MEMORIES FROM YESTERYEAR!

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PLAYERS THOUGHTS ON THE DERBY “BOXING DAY IS SET TO BE THE DAY ALL FANS, PLAYERS & EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THANET FOOTBALL HAS BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TOO. WE’VE HAD SOME GREAT GAMES WITH RAMSGATE IN MY TIME AND OBVIOUSLY THOSE HAVE MADE SOME TOP MEMORIES. BEATING THEM AT HARTSDOWN PARK IN THE KENT CUP SEMI-FINAL IN FRONT OF A MASSIVE CROWD WAS ONE OF THEM AND ALSO HAVING THE BRAGGING RIGHTS THIS SEASON IN THE KENT CUP TOO. THIS GAME WILL BE DIFFERENT OF COURSE DUE TO BEING THE FIRST TIME WE’VE FACED EACH OTHER IN THE LEAGUE FOR A VERY LONG TIME, AND OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING I HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED. THE THANET DERBY DEFINITELY HITS DIFFERENTLY, AND I KNOW HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO MARGATE FANS AFTER SEEING THE BUZZ IN THE PREVIOUS GAMES, SO THAT ALONE IS THE MOTIVATION TO GO INTO THIS BOXING DAY DERBY. THERE IS NO SHYING AWAY FROM HOW EFFECTIVE RAMSGATE HAVE BEEN IN THE LEAGUE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS AND THEY’RE CONTINUING THAT MENTALITY THIS SEASON. BEN SMITH HAS MANAGED TO KEEP MOST OF THE SQUAD AROUND WHICH I THINK IS THE REASON THEY ARE WINNING SO MANY GAMES, AND WE KNOW IT’S GOING TO BE PROBABLY THE TOUGHEST GAME WE’LL HAVE IN THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON. IT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING HOW THEY AND US APPROACH THE FIXTURE AS WE OBVIOUSLY KNOW A LOT ABOUT EACH OTHER AND WHERE OUR STRENGTHS ARE - BUT WHAT’S FOR CERTAIN IS I’M SURE IT WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST ENTERTAINING GAMES WE HAVE AT HARTSDOWN THIS SEASON!” BEN GREENHALGH - MARGATE FC MANAGER

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“THE LOCAL DERBY ALWAYS IS A VERY TENSE AND INTERESTING GAME, ALL THE HYPE AND EXPECTATIONS THAT GOES WITH IT AND OF COURSE THE BRAGGING RIGHTS. I ALWAYS REMEMBER MY FIRST LOCAL DERBY IT WAS WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO RAMSGATE IN 1966.

IT WAS A HORRIBLE NIGHT WITH GALE FORCE WIND BLOWING DOWN THE PITCH. WE WERE WINNING 4-1 AT HALF TIME BUT ENDED UP LOSING 6-4, SO QUITE A GAME. THE OTHER GAME WAS WHEN WE PLAYED THEM IN THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE CUP. WE DREW 1-1 AT HARTSDOWN 0-0 AT HOME BUT LOST 3-1 IN THE REPLAY AT HARTSDOWN. OVER THE 3 GAMES 11,000 CAME TO WATCH. THE CROWD WILL PLAY A VERY BIG PART SO I’M GLAD THAT THEY WILL BE TAKING ALL THE SUPPORT. UP THE RAMS” MICKY WILLIAMSON - RAMSGATE FC LEGEND “AS A LOCAL LAD - WHO ACTUALLY SPENT THE MAJORITY OF MY YOUTH FOOTBALL AT MARGATE BEFORE MOVING TO RAMSGATE FOR U18S AND ADULT FOOTBALL, IT WAS ACTUALLY A HUGE DEAL TO ME IN A DIFFERENT WAY TO PERHAPS WARREN AND OLLIE SCHULZ WHO WERE RAMSGATE LADS. NOT A LOT OF THE MARGATE FANS WOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE AT THE TIME OF MY HISTORY WITH MARGATE SO WERE HOSTILE WITH ME LIKE THE REST OF THE TEAM! WE DREW THE GAME 1-1, DANNY HOCKTON GAVE ME AND OLLIE A GOOD TEST ON THE DAY, BUT PLAYING IN FRONT OF SO MANY FANS WAS HUGE FOR US AT THE TIME GIVEN THE QUICK RISE WE HAD MADE IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD. AT THE TIME THE MARGATE FIXTURE MEANT A LOT MORE TO US BECAUSE IT WAS FULL OF THANET LADS, THERE WAS MYSELF, THE SCHULZ BROTHERS, THE VAHID BROTHERS, SIMON PETIT. WHEREAS MARGATE STILL OPTED FOR USING PLAYERS FROM UP THE LINE. I THINK LOUIS SMITH WAS THEIR ONLY LOCAL LAD AT THAT TIME.” LIAM MORRIS - EX RAMSGATE Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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INTERVIEW - RAMSGATE FC’S

ALFIE PAXMAN

LOCAL LAD RAMSGATE FC

WE CAUGHT UP WITH RAMS ALFIE PAXMAN TO DISCUSS HIS CAREER AT RAMSGATE FOOTBALL CLUB. ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BOXING DAY DERBY? The Boxing Day atmosphere is always incredible and with it being against Margate I’m sure the support is going to be massive.

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AS A LOCAL LAD, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO PLAY FOR RAMSGATE FC?

I joined Ramsgate at youth level because it was the club my brother played at, from there I moved into the under 23s and finally broke into the first team. The decision to come back and play was made easy after a meeting with Ben and James about the plans for the future of the club, along with retaining Jack and TJ for another season. The cherry on top was bringing Joe in to really push for having the best local lads around at Ramsgate.

Images courtesy of AT Photography

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT LAST SEASON AND WHAT IT WAS LIKE PLAYING IN THE FA CUP AND BEING ON TV?

Obviously it wasn’t the end we were hoping for, but the FA Cup run leading up to it was incredible and has been one of my season highlights for sure. Round 1 at home against Woking, massive support from the fans, those are the games I love to play in. As a player you forget the cameras are there when you’re on the pitch and just try to do the same as you would in any other game.

WHO WERE YOUR IDOLS GROWING UP, WHO MADE YOU WANT TO BE A FOOTBALLER?

Football has just been the sport I’ve played since I was very young, my dad loves football and that is probably what lead us to playing at such a young age.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AWAY FROM THE CLUB?

There aren’t many sports that I don’t play outside of football, the most recent being padel, which a few of the Ramsgate boys get involved in as well, including the gaffer. .

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS MARGATE FC? DOES THE LOCAL DERBY GIVE YOU MORE OF A DRIVE TO GAIN PROMOTION THIS YEAR? Derby day games are always fun to play in, Margate obviously being the biggest but there are a lot of local games this season, so I try not to get wrapped up in emotions of it being Margate.

WHAT MADE YOU RE-SIGN TO RAMSGATE THIS SEASON?

Having Joe and TJ re-sign was big for me, keeping the car school together and of course the local talent at Ramsgate.

WHO’S THE DJ IN THE TEAM AND WHO HAS THE BEST/WORST TASTE IN MUSIC?

Henry is the DJ in the changing room and always knows exactly what song to play.

THERE’S ALWAYS A COMEDIAN IN THE CHANGING ROOM, WHO IS RAMSGATE’S?

Gardy never fails to make everyone laugh in the changing room, after his Instagram takeover I’m sure everyone can see why.

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YOU ALWAYS HAVE TIME FOR THE FANS, DOES THE SUPPORT OF THE CROWD HELP WITH YOUR PERFORMANCES? 100%, the support from the crowd always gives you that extra boost in games and the fans always give us their full support for the whole 90 minutes.

YOU ARE A FAN FAVOURITE AT THE CLUB WITH ROOTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, DO THE FANS HELP IN THOSE TOUGH MOMENTS ON THE FIELD WHEN THE TEAM ISN’T PERFORMING TO ITS USUALLY HIGH STANDARD?

With such good support it really gives you, as a player, that extra bit of drive to push through and grind out results even when we aren’t performing to our usual high standard..

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT AS A RAMS PLAYER? The Woking game at home, when we scored corner routine, that was a great feeling.

AS WE KNOW YOU AND YOUR BROTHER JACK (DEAL TOWN) ARE BOTH GREAT FOOTBALLERS. IS THERE SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN YOU?

There’s always competitive rivalry between us when we play each other but I’d say we both want wach other to do well when we aren’t against one another.

HAVING COME THROUGH FROM YOUTH LEVEL, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WITHIN CLUBS?

Youth development is massive for non league clubs and everything Ramsgate have done in recent years to build on the youth set up is huge, not just for the club but the community aswell.

THANK YOU...

WE’D LIKE TO THANK ALFIE FOR TAKING

THE TIME TO TALK TO US AND GIVE US AN INSIGHT INTO HIS CAREER AND WHAT IT IS LIKE PLAYING AT RAMSGATE FC.

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RAMSGATE TROPHIES & ENGRAVING

111 KING STREET, RAMSGATE, KENT, CT11 8PH

CONTACT US TEL: 07884317250

ramsgatetrophies@aol.com

MARGATE FC - DECEMBER

NEWS UPDATE

LEWIS KNIGHT

CELEBRATING HIS 100TH APPEARANCE

IT’S BEEN A STRONG MONTH FOR MARGATE FC AS THEY HAVE HAD 5 WINS OUT OF 8 GAMES AND TWO DRAWS, WITH ONLY ONE DEFEAT IN THE VELOCITY CUP AGAINST SHEPPEY UNITED. The month started well with an away win against Deal Town, with Harvey Brand scoring the only goal in the game.

Margate went into their next game looking for another three points against Burgess Hill Town at Hartsdown Park on Remembrance Day. The scene was set with a minute’s silence and bugler before the game. Margate showed a dominant performance and took the lead in the 71st minute through Ibrahim Olutade.

The ‘Gate looked like they’d secured the win until a last-ditch attempt from Burgess Hill Town saw Alex Brewer score in the dying moments of the game to draw the sides level.

Despite five minutes of added time, the home side couldn’t find a winner and would have to settle for a point against good opposition.

The game also saw Lewis Knight celebrate his 100th appearance for The ‘Gate.

New signing Enoch Muwonge was named on the bench as the Blues looked to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in the Isthmian South-East Division. They faced Three Bridges away from home. In the first three minutes of the match, Ibrahim Olutade stung the ‘keepers’ fingers, forcing him to tip a shot over the bar.

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Chances came and went for The ‘Gate but no goals would be scored.. until.

In an otherwise scrappy half, the Blues took the lead in stoppage time of the first half, as Ibrahim Olutade converted from the penalty spot to give The ‘Gate a 1-0 lead.

The hosts didn’t take long to get level in the second half though as the Blues backline failed to deal with a long throw into the box, allowing Hayden Velvick to pounce and level the scores.

That quick goal could have unsettled The ‘Gate, however they restored their lead just after the hour mark after Tom Wray perfectly picked out Olutade and he laid a delightful ball off to Harrison Hatfull who fired The ‘Gate back in front.

Margate started to settle back into a rhythm in the second half, playing the football we have become accustomed to under Ben Greenhalgh this season and we got our due rewards right at the end of the game.

Despite the lead, Margate knew they would need another, which eventually came in the 89th minute as Captain Harry Hudson ensured the points returned to Thanet!

Both sides were reduced to ten men in added on time as Josh Hallard received his second yellow card of the game as well as new signing Muwonge was shown a debut red card for two yellow cards, receiving his first for delaying the restart and then an apparent dive in the box.

The ‘Gate saw a break away from league fixtures and played in the Velocity Cup second round away at Ashford.

The ‘Gate showed a dominant performance securing their place in the third round with a 6-0 win. Louie Atkins scoring 5 goals in the fixture, the young man had an amazing game

© 2024 Oakley Photosport and showed pure class and composure in front of goal.

The ‘Gate were level!

Margate took on their next opponents at home playing Erith Town into what would be a dramatic affair.

The noise at Hartsdown Park was rocking as the supporters tried to spur the boys on for a winner. The ball was played over the top to Ababio, who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the referee had decided enough was enough before he could get his shot away and the points were shared.

Both Erith Town players and supporters made the trip down to not-so-sunny Margate, for another Isthmian League encounter.

Erith Town were 2-0 with 20 minutes to play when a stroke of luck hit...

The Erith ‘keeper had to be substituted, and Erith town were forced to play one of the outfield players in between the sticks.

Naturally this gave Margate the perfect opportunity to apply more pressure and test the makeshift ‘keeper.

Next up was Sheppey United in the third round of the Velocity Cup, Margate had a tough evening at Hartsdown Park under the floodlights as they fell to a 4-2 defeat knocking them out of the cup.

The final game of the month would be played against Phoenix Sports away from home. The gate looking to get back to winning ways, Max Walsh and Ibrahim Olutade made sure of this as the pair gave the gate a 2-0 victory.

90 minutes had approached, and Margate had been trying everything to break down the resolute defence of Erith, but it looked like all hope was lost…

93 minutes on the clock, and Max Walsh was found in the box from the right. He sent one defender to the burger van with a lovely feint, and then rockets the ball into the bottom corner.

NEW KIT ALERT! Margate FC are teaming up with Soundcrash & the Margate Summer Series crew to bring an updated Margate FC kit featuring The Libertines incredible hometown headline show at Dreamland Margate in July 2025 on the front!

Margate will be playing in this updated design until the end of the 2024/25 season!

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RAMSGATE FC - NOVEMBER

NEWS UPDATE

JAMES LAWSON RAMSGATE FC OWNER

AN UPDATE FROM RAMS OWNER

JAMES LAWSON:

I’M WRITING THIS NOVEMBER REVIEW THE MORNING AFTER DEFEAT IN OUR FIRST DECEMBER GAME ENDING OUR UNBEATEN START TO THE SEASON. IF ANYTHING, THE DEFEAT HIGHLIGHTS JUST HOW WELL THE TEAM PERFORMED DURING THE PREVIOUS MONTH, WITH SEVEN WINS FROM SEVEN GAMES. THERE WERE NOTABLE DERBY VICTORIES AND LOTS OF LATE DRAMA TO DESCRIBE. December also marks my fifth year as owner running the club. There is lots of reflection on different owner’s and manager’s eras, but the glorious highs and moments brought to us in November reinforces my belief that these times or eras belong to the players.

Our job in running a football club is to create opportunities for local people both on and off the pitch, and I’ll be bold and say that I think we do a pretty good job of this at Ramsgate. The core of our team is made up of Thanet based players, who have two slots of training per week put aside for them on our 3G in Ramsgate. We have been fortunate enough to be able to bring some top talent from

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outside the area into the squad, and we have a dedicated team of local coaches including Ben, Sean, Darren and Joe who utilise all manner of modern technology as part their meticulous planning.

Our season ticket prices are amongst the cheapest in the league, and our subsidised away coach travel helps support people in our town to create what has become one of the largest fan bases at our level. Their vocal support is hugely appreciated by the players, who gave them plenty of reasons to be loud in November.

The month started with the long trip down to Eastbourne, and a very tight win led to a noisy coach trip home with Barry Cousins loudly practicing different versions of his new Billy Munday chants. One of the toughest away trips of the year is always at rivals Ashford, and a surreal finish that saw Joe Ellul end the game in goal led to a 3-2 victory.

Steyning Town had given us a stern test at their place earlier in the season, but they were swept aside comfortably at home before a huge away contingent saw us survive a late penalty miss to win 2-1 at Herne Bay. A late JT penalty of our own meant we took the points at Sevenoaks, where the injury time winner was met with huge celebrations between both fans and players. We ended the month with comfortable home wins against Herne Bay and Erith Town.

A monthly review can’t pass without a mention of JT. He scored his 150th goal for the club during November whilst making his 200th appearance. Joe has that desire to take responsibility and be the match winner. He has been promoted before and these are key attributes that have seen him become so successful. He is our skipper, and we hope that he can encourage others to follow his lead to become the main guy themselves.

November was also a very important month for youth player development in the area. Our u23’s had very positive results last season, with a number of players moving on to senior football. Wes Hennessy is playing in the Isthmian with Deal as is Loui Propoci at Hythe and Archie Simmons is in SCEFL Division One with Sheppey Sports.

With the emergence of our new academy team in the u19 National Alliance League, we decided that our most talented young players needed less of the youth type football played in the u23’s league and more senior football exposure. As a result, we withdrew from the u23 development league and sought partnerships with senior sides.

The most obvious has been with Kent County Premier side Ramsgate Athletic.

We have a tremendously talented u16 side who incidentally also went unbeaten through November - and their coaches Mark Buckingham and Jimmy Egan accepted the opportunity to manage Ramsgate Athletic (or the Steamers as they are more commonly known). They grasped this chance and have merged a core of last year’s u23’s with our current 16’s and 18’s to form an extremely exciting young side. They won 2 and lost 3 of November’s fixtures in a tough league, but importantly the first team players and coaches who regularly train with them on a Thursday have already noted their improvement.

Images courtesy of AT Photography

We now look ahead to a busy month that will see over 500 children on our Holiday HAF programmes. There is also a certain Thanet derby match to enjoy, where our players will continue to be supported by the ever-growing Red Army.

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TEAM NEWS FROM NOVEMBER

MARGATE WOMENS

AN UPDATE FROM DAVID WOODGATE Coming into the beginning of November and having 3 games to see what the teams’ strengths and weaknesses were while knowing we had a big month ahead; it was time to start implementing the changes we felt were needed to help grow the confidence of the team on and off the pitch.

We started November with a tough away game to Cray Wanderers.

The ref turning up an hour late meaning a 5pm kick-off didn’t help with team morale, and we found ourselves 3-1 down going into the final 20 minutes. A great fight back which saw Michaela Beach score all 3 goals and left us feeling unlucky we didn’t get the win showed how much the team started to believe in what we are trying to achieve.

Next, we travelled to Petts Wood in the Cup again, starting slow and 2-1 down on a pitch that could only be described as a cow field against a lower opponent again saw the team show grit to turn the game around. Young defender Alesha Beach scored an 88th minute winner after a powerful shot from Daisy Marsh was not held by the Petts Wood keeper.

Deal Town was up next in the Kent Cup, a game that saw new signing Elena Brock on the bench, and a change in tactics brought a very positive performance.

Photos by Aaron Westgate Photography

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NEW SIGNINGS

DAISY MARSH REBECCA ELSLEY ELENA BROCK Elena scored 2 goals after coming on as a 2nd half substitute to help Margate to a 4-0 win.

Margate came out in the 2nd half on the front foot and took the game 3-1.

Our final game of November was a home League game against Parkwood Rangers, a team who had previously beaten Margate 3-2 early on in the season.

November was a really good month all round, 3 wins, 1 draw, into the next round of 2 cups and lifting ourselves out of the bottom 2 in the league.

Very windy conditions in the first half caught Margate Goalkeeper Suzie out, and a long-range effort blew into the goal.

Angel Foster joins us from Ramsgate along with Rebecca Elsley from Aylesford to strengthen the squad further.

Even with the wind against them, Margate battled hard and created some decent chances.

Things are slowly falling into place for the team, and with the support of George Adams, Will O’Keeffe, and John Huffman, I believe we will go from strength to strength for the remainder of the season.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH PAIGE GODDEN

© 2024 Oakley Photosport

Thanet Thanet Football Football Magazine Magazine - Launch - December Edition 2024

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TEAM NEWS FROM NOVEMBER

RAMSGATE WOMENS UPDATE CHLOE WATTS MANAGER

FROM THE LAST TIME WE CAUGHT UP, WE HAVE MADE IT THROUGH OUR NOVEMBER FIXTURES, AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 GAMES THIS MONTH WE HAVE WON 3 OUT OF THE 4.

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First off, in November we kicked it off being in the Kent Divisional Cup against Staplehurst Monarchs, where we walked away with a 5-0 win. This is where we made a new signing into our squad - Ashleigh Brooks; a player who stepped up for the team and within her debut scored 2 cracking goals to contribute to the win and was also chosen for player of the match for the effort and contribution to the game!

Images courtesy of Aaron Westgate Photography

It was a game where we started slow, but we soon found our feet and played some great football, and the link up play between our players is something we are now thriving off.

We then travelled a short distance down to Betteshanger, to play against Betteshanger Development, where we also had a good game - walking away with the three points as we left it as a 2-1 win.

The game was physical and demanding at times, but it didn’t stop our ladies from putting on a performance. We worked hard and demonstrated the strength behind the team.

We have 2 goal scorers this game, one being, again, Ashleigh and also another recent signing for us, Lacey. Two goals which were worked hard for and made sure they were secured in the net.

This game our left back, Chloe Knight, demonstrated a strong defensive performance, not being afraid to get involved where it needed it most! And she walked away with Player of the Match.

This now bring us onto the next game. We made it into the 3rd round of the Kent FA Plate, where we took on Biddenden Ladies. It was a game where there were mixed emotions as this team is a Divisional One team. But this didn’t stop our ladies from giving them a good game.

We were 2-0 down at half time, but within the second half we came alive and scored 2 goals, but unfortunately it left the game at 4-2 to Biddenden, which meant our Kent FA Plate journey came to an end, but we made it obvious to our women we were proud of them all, and they deserved to be recognised and rewarded for this.

Our Skipper, Jess L, was handed Opposition Player of the

Match for her strength in the back line.

The last fixture of the month went well… we turned the score line very much around, again travelling a short distance to Baypoint, as we were taking on Baypoint Seconds. We walked in and took the 3 points and 9 goals clear, leaving that game at a 9-0 win. We have a new signing Rebecca, also known as (Beca), who made her presence known with scoring 2 goals in the debut, one of them being a penalty and she placed that nicely in the net.

Our striker Courtney has her scoring boots on as she slotted 5 goals past their keeper which helped the squad.

We moved our centre-back Megan into a CDM/CAM position, and she also made sure her presence was known because she also placed 2 goals into the back of the net. Megan made it known to us that she is definitely a Versatile player and isn’t afraid to drive with the ball.

After these fixtures, a month of 3 hard work wins has left Ramsgate Women FC in 3rd place in the table.

Also, on the League Player Stats, our striker Courtney is sitting up in 4th place. This last month we have had some great results and it’s proven that working hard ‘as one’ brings results.

#UPTHERAMS Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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STEPHEN BEERLING

FOOTBALL FAN ZONE THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN GOING TO WATCH FOOTBALL ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL TEAM. My dad has always watched Ramsgate, so I’ve always gone along with him. He is now 83 years old and still goes to every home game, he must be one of the oldest regular going Ramsgate fans! My association with Ramsgate started as a kid playing in the youth teams and going to first team games with my dad. When I moved out of the area for the best part of twenty years I would still try and go to a game every time I was back visiting. In those days it was good if the attendance was as high as150 people and part of that was with a very successful team in the Jimmy Ward era. Margate were traditionally the bigger club with bigger crowds but how things have changed!! Since I moved back to Ramsgate almost four years ago I’ve hardly missed a home game and it really is great to see so many people supporting the towns’ team.

It’s only in the past five years or so the club has seen real growth, with the fantastic work of James Lawson and his team. Last season the clubs end of season average was around a 1000, this season I hope the end of season average is way over a 1000, with hopefully a league title in the bag.

On the pitch, while disappointing to finish second and lose in the play-off lottery two seasons in a row,

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it’s great to have seen the team’s development and success, with the FA Cup run being a highlight. The trip to Wimbledon was good fun after a great home win against Woking from the National League, in front of over 3000 people the round before. Two great goals won that game with TJ’s being my standout goal, a player who should be playing levels above for me.

We’re lucky he’s been so loyal to Ramsgate over the past couple of seasons and long may it continue. Of all the football I’ve watched live, the trip to Totten for the FA Cup 4th qualifying round was one of the best I’ve experienced, the camaraderie between the fans and the players was unbelievable, it’s hard to put it into words but if you were there you’ll know what I mean. It was lovely that the run ended against a former FA Cup winning team in AFC Wimbledon and that the game was live on TV bringing fantastic publicity to the team and the town in general.

This season, after a difficult summer, we’ve had a great start to the season. Hopefully we will have a few more wins on the board by the time this goes to press. The squad is looking stronger than ever, some real quality coming in with payers like Lewis Gard, Jay Leader and Tom Clifford, amongst others adding to the best players from last season, will hopefully help us finally get the overdue league title over the line. We also have the Thanet derbies to look forward to this season which is great for football and businesses in the area, with big crowds and so many people out and about on derby days.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >>>

Image courtesy of AT Photography

Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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FAN FOCUS - CONTINUED

Outside of watching Ramsgate I work as a Graphic Designer and Art Director mainly in contract publishing, alongside that I do some illustration and artwork, with a lot of inspiration of my personal work coming from football fan culture. Like a lot of kids growing up, I was into art and creative subjects and am fortunate that I’ve been able to make some sort of career out of something I enjoy doing.

My style is hand drawn, fine-liner pen on paper which is then scanned and coloured digitally. One recent personal project has been creating a collection of illustrations of interesting, unique and historic football grounds from across the UK. There are currently 52 stadiums in the

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collection with most Premier League clubs covered and these are available from one of Britain’s best independent football magazines ‘When Saturday Comes’. www.wsc.co.uk/ filter/stadium-illustrations Some of the work featured here, both professional and personal: A map of Ramsgate; a magazine commission about the TV coverage of Euro 2024; three of the series of 52 football stadium illustrations; a map of some of the most recognisable UK football stadiums; time-honoured casual trainers by Adidas.

WWW.STEPHENBEERLING.WORK @STEPHENBEERLING.WORK ETSY: STEPHENBEERLING.ETSY.COM Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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AND THE WINNER IS...

ALEX TUDDENHAM AKA AT PHOTOGRAPHY

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HOW HE WON...

ALEX ENTERED OUR NOVEMBER COMPETITION TO WIN A SIGNED AND FRAMED RAMSGATE FC SHIRT BY LIKING, SHARING AND COMMENTING ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POST. *The winner was selected using an online name generator and was filmed and posted on the TFM Instagram story.

Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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INTERVIEW - STRIKER

IBRAHIM OLUTADE WE CAUGHT UP WITH IBZ TO DISCUSS HIS SINCE JOINING THE CLUB THE FANS HAVE YOU SO MUCH LOVE, HOW MUCH DO YOU CAREER AND HIS FUTURE AT MARGATE FC SHOWN FEEL THAT FAN BACKING HELPS YOUR FORM AND WHAT DREW YOU TO JOIN MARGATE FC?

PERFORMANCE?

In the summer I had a conversation with Ben and Harry.

They told me how things were going to be this season and it really excited me. Also, Margate has always been a big club, I’ve been an opposition player, and you can see how much the fans get behind the players.

They’ve been amazing! I can’t thank them enough for the constant support we get, as players it means a lot. As players it also really helps give you that extra boost on the pitch. It makes you want to give your all for them. The support we get only wants you to continue to perform every game.

HOW DO YOU FEEL BEING IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS LOCAL RIVALS RAMSGATE FC?

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER BEFORE MARGATE FC?

It’s really good because it drives us to compete to be better than them. Playing against them is a game that as a player you really want to be a part of. Winning the Kent cup game against them really showed how important it is and you can see how much it means to everyone. We have to make sure we are ready to play them in the league.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HAVING A PLAYER MANAGER WITH BEN TAKING THE HELM, WAS HE A FACTOR FOR JOINING THE GATE?

It’s new but I’m really enjoying it. I’ve never played under a player manager before, but Ben really drives everyone on the pitch. Personally, this is what I need as a player as there will be times where things will go wrong on the pitch and that little bit of a push is what you need to do better.

Speaking to him in the summer on the plans he had for me, it was a no brainier to sign here.

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I started playing mens football at 18 at a team called Balham FC then played for different teams like Hanwell Town, Leatherhead, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Walton & Hersham and Folkestone.

SINCE JOINING THE GATE YOU’VE HAD 3 STRIKING PARTNERS IN LUKAS FRANZENJONES, JAMES BESSEY-SALDANHA AND VINNIE BOWMAN; AND NOW SINCE THEY HAVE LEFT THE CLUB, YOUNG LOUIE ATKINS HAS BECOME YOUR NEW STRIKE PARTNER. DO YOU PREFER TO PLAY WITH A STRIKE PARTNER OR AS A SOLE NO 9?

I’m not really fussed to be honest. I know sometimes depending on the team or how the game goes we will need to change shape. If I’m up there alone or with someone I’ll just do my best to help the team.

© 2024 Oakley Photosport

THE CLUB HAS MADE SOME GREAT SIGNINGS OVER THE SUMMER, INCLUDING YOURSELF. HOW DO YOU FEEL THEY (AND YOU) HAVE INTEGRATED WITHIN THE TEAM? It’s been enjoyable, everyone has a good relationship and gets on really well. We all want to do well for the team which is important. It’s not always easy joining a new team but pre-season and training really helped us gel and get used to how each other play.

WHO IS THE DJ IN THE CHANGING ROOM?

Knighty and Harry, they really know how to get everyone ready for match day.

WHO HAS THE BEST/WORST TASTE IN MUSIC?

Best taste is Knighty, and worst is Harry and Harvey. In our car school they always play Shaboozey all the time, I don’t know why.

WHO WERE YOUR IDOLS GROWING UP AND WHO MADE YOU WANT TO BE A FOOTBALLER?

Being a United fan, my idol was Ronaldo (CR7), Thierry Henry and Jermaine Defoe were who I enjoyed watching. I liked the way they scored goals and that made me want to become a striker.

HOW DO YOU FEEL THE CLUB WILL DO THIS YEAR?

I know we’ll definitely try to finish as high as possible in the league and try to secure a playoff position.

AFTER AN INCREDIBLE PRE-SEASON, THERE WAS A STRUGGLE TO GET GOALS AT THE START OF THE SEASON, BUT ITS LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE HIT GOAL SCORING FORM AFTER YOUR HATTRICK AGAINST SHEPPEY. WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD HAVE HELPED YOUR FORM?

I’ve always had belief in myself to score goals and I knew the goals would come if I carried on working hard and getting into the right areas. Also, Ben, Flan (Adam Flanagan), Elliot and Graham have been supportive and kept that belief in me too which always helps as a player. You’re going to have tough periods in the season. It’s normal, but you have to always believe in yourself and work hard then the rewards will come.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT SO FAR AS A GATE PLAYER? Definitely scoring a hat-trick against Sheppey!

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE BOXING DAY DERBY?

I’m really looking forward to it. A big crowd and it’s what you want to be involved in as a player for sure. I’m hoping we can secure 3 points!

WE’D LIKE TO THANK IBZ FOR TAKING THE TIME TO TALK TO US ABOUT HIS CAREER AND HIS TIME SO FAR AT MARGATE FC Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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MARGATE FC LEGEND

MARK MUNDAY WE CAUGHT UP WITH MARK TO TALK ABOUT HIS CAREER AND THIS IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY...

I started as a youth player with Thanet Utd u12s, managed

by Margate secretary legend Ken Tomlinson - and then by Bob Wickens, another top Thanet football man.

My senior football [career] began at Thanet Utd when I was 16 in the 1st team with Norman Fusco as manager, and playing alongside Neil Cugley, Pat Hilton, Joe Radford, and the great Dave Carr.

I continued at Thanet Utd until I was sacked by then manager Gary Aldous at aged 17 for choosing to play for Bob Wickens at Ramsgate FC’s u18s against Charlton Athletic in the FA youth cup, instead of attending Thanet Utd training. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Thanet Utd and all of the older players I played with certainly looked after me at this time.

Ashford Utd signed me aged 18 under manager Chris Weller. They had just moved to the new stadium Homelands and played in the now equivalent league Conference South - I was not ready for this level at the time and struggled, so only lasted a few seasons.

Vic Medus signed me for Ramsgate FC in the now defunct Kent League, where I regained my confidence playing regular 1st team football, and this was my first stint with RFC. Trevor Gowan then signed me for Herne Bay FC where he built up a great local side that competed and won the Kent League. Unfortunately, due to ground grading we were unable to be promoted to the southern league so remained in the Kent League where the next year we finished runners up to Tonbridge Angels, who as we know now have continued up the leagues. Over these successful years at HBFC I played in the same side as my brother John, Neil

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Brown, John Love, Steve Tapp, Andy Ballantyne and Nigel Pointon - the latter 2 who are sadly now longer with us.

What a great side we had and made lifelong friends.

When Trevor stepped down at HBFC, Tommy Sampson took over and they were like chalk and cheese. Trevor quiet and unassuming and Tommy confident and loud. They both built great sides that won the Kent League title, so I had 2 Kent League winners medals in 3 years, but no promotion sadly. HBFC - great club and some of my best football memories.

I scored 20-30 goals that season with Tommy Sampson as manager and at that point Gravesend & Northfleet FC put in a 7-day approach for me. Their manager was Gary Aldous who had sacked me from Thanet Utd. Me and Gary never had cross words about my sacking, and I fully understood his decision, so neither of us had any second thoughts about working together again - and that season Gravesend had just got promoted to Dr Martens premier league, so again, equivalent to Conference South standard.

Travelling up from Thanet was made easier as Mark Harrop and Paul Lamb were already at Gravesend. Both absolute top players and even better people. I was now ready for the challenge of this level. 3 full fabulous seasons at Gravesend & Northfleet playing at a very good standard, travelling all over the country. The crowning moment was our FA Cup run where we made 3rd round proper and played Aston Villa at Villa Park in front of 28,000. [There was] Dwight Yorke, Mark Bosnich, Gareth Southgate and Andy Townsend, to name a few, on their team sheet. We lost 3-0 but put up a fine display and one I will never forget.

At Gravesend I played under Gary again, Chris Weller again and then Steve Lovell and Clive Walker for my final year.

Top Club and very fond memories.

By this time Mark Harrop and Lee Turner had both signed for Margate FC under Chris Kinnear and he was building a side to get promoted. So, in turn myself and Paul Lamb the following year also signed. We were local players playing for a local side.

Lots has been said about the success we had as a group of players at that time with Margate FC and we certainly took the club back to the pinnacle of non-league football reminiscent of MFC success in the 60’s. The club was buzzing, fans were packed in the ground, home and away support was immense and it was a pleasure to play with so many super players along the way. The most successful time of my career and achieved with my local club which I am very proud of.

From MFC I had a short brief loan spell at Dover Athletic then signed for Folkestone Invicta and manager Neil Cugley, who all of them years ago looked after me as a young forward learning my trade. Me and Lamby both signed and had some really enjoyable seasons there.

Then I signed for Ramsgate FC and Jim Ward, just promoted to Ryman South and a squad full of local talent, too many to name but they know who they are. In the twilight of my career, they gave me the drive and boost to compete and win another league title and promotion. Great times and many hazy memories from coach journeys and team nights out.

I latterly then played and briefly managed Whitstable FC with Paul Lamb and then played at Deal Town FC and ended up coaching there as well. Both are tremendous clubs.

Finally, now my Saturdays and midweek time is spent watching my two sons play. Jake and Billy both have had stints in first team surroundings, and I am immensely proud watching them play and what they are achieving. Jake is with Ramsgate Athletic playing regularly and gets on the scoresheet; and he is father to my beautiful grandson Oscar who at a very young age (18 months) is kicking a ball with both feet.

Update - Jake is now at Hawkinge Town FC

D

CENSORE

FAMOUS PICTURE The famous picture from the 1997 FA Cup fixture against Fulham FC, where Becky Drewett pitch invaded and greeted Mark Munday.

BILLY HAS JUST SIGNED FOR RAMSGATE FC AFTER 5 SEASONS WITH DEAL TOWN FC, WHO WERE PROMOTED AND WERE LEAGUE CHAMPION’S LAST SEASON. HE IS DOING FANTASTICALLY WELL, AND I HOPE TO SEE HIM WITH ANOTHER PROMOTION AND LEAGUE TRIUMPH THIS SEASON. THE GREAT THING I LOVE ABOUT THEM BOTH IS THAT THEY ARE 110% SUPPORTIVE OF EACH OTHER’S FOOTBALLING ACHIEVEMENTS AND NO ONE IS MORE HAPPY FOR BILLY WHEN HE SCORES OR WINS A LEAGUE THAN JAKE, AND THE SAME GOES FOR BILLY WITH JAKES ACHIEVEMENTS. Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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MINSTER FC VS BEARSTED FC

MAKING HISTORY

COLIN HOLDEN CHAIRMAN

MINSTER FC PLAYED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITION THROUGHOUT THEIR 113-YEAR HISTORY AGAINST BEARSTED IN THE DFDS KENT SENIOR TROPHY. Minster Football Club faced its highest-ranked opponent in history when we took on SCEFL Premier Division team Bearsted FC in the second round of the Kent Senior Trophy.

In the previous round we had eliminated Lydd Town FC, a 2-2 draw in normal time, followed by us successfully converting all of our penalties to progress to the second round, and this fixture against Bearsted FC. We reflect on both games in the competition with immense pride on behalf of the club and the players that represented us all.

Off the field we showed in both games that we are able to host games at this level in terms of competence and infrastructure. This gives us plenty of belief as we look forward as a club towards what might come in the near and longer term future as we continue our growth away from the pitch. Interestingly, Bearsted are a club that were in a similar position to us in the not-too-distant past and their model of progression is one that we can examine as they grew in a sustainable way over a number of years. It is important to note that we feel that Bearsted conducted themselves impeccably before, during and after the game. They were gracious in victory and most importantly approached the game with quality and professionalism.

Their level of performance was very high throughout, and they did not take the game for granted which we take as a

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pleasing recognition of our reputation going before us.

We went into the game with a good idea of how Bearsted intended to play with the ball, and we had a clear idea of how we would counteract this, to a man. Throughout the 90 minutes our players executed this plan, and we defended superbly as a team throughout the game.

In the first half Bearsted controlled much of the game in terms of possession and territory, but the Minster shape remained strong, our defensive set up, including our wingers working hard to support the back four in the wide areas, proved difficult for Bearsted to play through. The Bearsted counter press was excellent, and they gave us little time on the ball. Despite having more possession, Bearsted failed to create clear chances beyond one opportunity from a set piece that hit the post. This is a testament to the discipline and work rate of the team.

We entered the second half determined to maintain our shape and defensive solidity but with an improvement in our ball retention and in showing our attacking qualities.

This intent was to come to fruition as in the second half, particularly in the last 20 minutes, our attacking threat grew, and the game became more stretched. With 30 minutes to play we opened the scoring from a set piece, Harry Holden taking advantage of the Bearsted keepers fumble to nod home, this following an excellent delivery from Todd Jordan.

Bearsted responded immediately with a triple substitution, and they equalised 5 minutes later, reacting quickly to a ball bouncing around the six-yard area to finish from close range. The remainder of the game was an end-to-end affair with our attacking qualities far more to the fore as we displayed our quality of passing and movement off the ball.

Big chances came our way to win the game in the final 20 minutes, but we were unable to convert; most pleasing here

Images courtesy of Cadan Photography

though was that we showed our ability to compete with teams at this level in both a defensive and attacking sense.

Ultimately the game would end in a draw and the football gods would decide that this time we came out on the wrong side of that scenario. Bearsted converted all of their spot kicks to ensure that our one miss would see them win the tie.

We were able to exit the most senior competition we have ever played in with our heads held high, our reputation on and off the pitch enhanced, and with the knowledge that our group have shown their quality, character, resilience and ability across two games against step 5 opposition. It was a journey we most certainly enjoyed and embraced, two games that showed the levels we can operate at and two games that should inspire our long-term visions and our confidence in pursuing our other goals this season. On a personal level, to say that I am proud of the efforts of all those involved, players, coaches, officials and fans alike, would be an understatement.

We now look forward to continuing our good form in the Kent County League and hope to still be in the top few places to be in with a shout of the title in the last few weeks of the season. We also have the remaining KCFL InterRegional Challenge Cup (Bill Manklow Trophy) to aim for – a cup that we won back in 2022. Plenty to look forward to this season.

About our District Youth League that have become an integral part of our club.

The club now fields 7 teams across all age groups with over 200 players registered for the club. Whilst Minster FC will look to steadily grow and increase opportunities for all ages and abilities to play football, the continued focus is on enjoyment, friendships and supporting the community.

CONTINUE TO SEE MATCH DAY GALLERY >>> Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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Images courtesy of Cadan Photography

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MINSTER FC - 1 BEARSTED FC- 1

(BEARSTED WON 5-3 ON PENALTIES) Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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YO! STREET ZONE

RULE THE COURT ON OCTOBER 28TH AT QUARTERDECK YOUTH HUB IN CLIFTONVILLE, YO! STREET ZONE HOSTED THEIR EXCITING RULE THE COURT JUNIORS COMPETITION, BRINGING TOGETHER 8 TEAMS FROM ACROSS THANET TO BATTLE IT OUT IN AN ACTION-PACKED TOURNAMENT. WITH OVER 50 YOUNG PLAYERS PARTICIPATING, THE EVENT WAS A CELEBRATION OF TALENT, COMMUNITY, AND THE LOVE OF STREET FOOTBALL. The YO! STREET ZONE Junior team claimed victory with skill and style, led by standout performances from local talent Ralphy Holloway and MVP Khalil Mitchell, who also plays for Chelsea Academy. Khalil’s impressive footwork and creativity captivated everyone, adding to the tournament’s buzzing atmosphere.

The event was more than just a competition, it was a community celebration. Those in attendance got to enjoy delicious Jamaican food from Soul Chef Kitchen, and the event highlighted YO! STREET ZONE’s aim of uniting people from diverse backgrounds through their love of the game and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Supported by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, RULE THE COURT Juniors was a testament to the power of football to inspire and bring communities together.

The next RULE THE COURT competition will be on December 15th, and three more are planned for the new year.

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Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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TACKLING DOMESTIC ABUSE TOGETHER

END DOMESTIC ABUSE DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS (VAWG) ARE ON THE RISE, WITH A 37% INCREASE IN VAWG IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. This season, you can help people to reach safety quickly, by joining the Kent and Medway End Domestic Abuse #KnowSeeSpeakOut campaign.

The Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Services have created free resources and training webinars to help football fans and clubs to KNOW What domestic abuse is, SEE What action you can take and SPEAK OUT by signposting people to support.

By taking part, you can support the goal of making football clubs safe environments for teams, players and visitors, especially young people.

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1 IN 12 WOMEN

WILL BE A VICTIM OF ABUSE

DOMESTIC ABUSE FACTS • 2.4 million people in England and Wales experience domestic abuse every year (Office for National Statistics)

• 1 in 12 women will be a victim of violence against women and girls every year, at least (National Police Chiefs’ Council VAWG report 2024).

• 37% increase in violence against women and girls in the last five years (National Police Chiefs’ Council VAWG report 2024).

• At least 2 women a week are killed by a current or ex-partner (Office for National Statistics) • 1 in 5 under 18s will have lived with domestic abuse at some point in their childhood (Radford et al, NSPCC report, 2018)

HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION: • Take part in free training webinars at a time that suits you. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/knowseespeakout.

• Use the campaign toolkit to help signpost people to safety, including – - Posters for you to put up in communal spaces during the season – Toilets are private places where people can access support information directly.

- Social media posts to share on your channels.

Download the toolkit at bit.ly/Football-DA-toolkit.

• Spread the word – encourage your club to create positive change by becoming an End Domestic Abuse Ambassador.

THE MORE PEOPLE THAT #KnowSeeSpeakOut, THE GREATER CHANCE WE HAVE OF GETTING PEOPLE IN KENT AND MEDWAY WHO ARE EXPERIENCING ABUSE TO SAFETY. Thanet Football Magazine - December2024

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THANET CLUBS SHOWING THEIR RESPECT

REMEMBRANCE DAY THANET CLUBS OF ALL AGES SHOWED THEIR RESPECTS ON REMEMBRANCE DAY TO HONOUR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS.

Margate FC showed their respects with a minute’s silence and a bugler before their clash against Burgess Hill. While Ramsgate FC had Major Gavin Smyth representing the Royal Artillery who was their wreath bearer plus two buglers, Keith Taylor and Anthony Phillpott, before their game against Steyning Town.

We also saw youth teams showing their respects with a minute’s silence and wreaths being seen at many games.

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THE MARGATE FANS DURING THE MINUTES SILENCE

#LESTWEFORGET Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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AIDEN COOPER WITH A

REFEREES JOURNEY FROM COLD SATURDAY MORNINGS AT GARLINGE, TO BEING FACE TO FACE AND WORKING WITH SOME OF THE BEST MATCH OFFICIALS IN KENT. THIS IS MY REFEREEING JOURNEY. At 14 years old I was encouraged to get a weekend job. But instead of doing a paper round or cleaning cars I decided to become a referee. To this day, I am not sure who gave me the idea of becoming a ref, yet it has changed my life massively. It has helped me become more confident when talking to other people and especially adults, helped me figure out the value of money and helped me become a more organised person.

After signing up to the course in October 2022, I attended the training workshops and learned the basics to becoming a grassroots match official, and there I was at Hartsdown school doing an under 11s match between Margate and Folkestone - which to this day is still a big part of my journey as an official. 5 games later I became a fully qualified referee and started to do mini soccer games for Ramsgate and Margate.

In my first season, I continued to do mini soccer games and started to learn the ropes to being a referee. So, the 2023/2024 season began and thanks to the support of the Ramsgate, Margate, and the East Kent Youth League, I found myself doing more challenging fixtures. These fixtures made me realise key attributes and skills that have helped me be the ref I am today.

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However, with every high there is a low and I found myself doing an U13s game in late September 2023. This is where I got my first real taste of verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour from players’ parents. This interaction completely changed my career as a referee as it completely changed my perspective of being a referee. It taught me that either way, someone will disagree with you as a ref. And yet that may seem obvious to more experienced people in football but 15-year-old me was completely shocked that this was happening to me. As a new ref you know it will inevitably happen at some point, but you never know when it will happen for the first time.

However, it may have knocked my confidence, but support from the team at the Kent FA, East Kent Youth League, and Margate Youth helped me realise that whilst it is unacceptable it does not define who you are as a referee, or more importantly a person.

For the rest of the year, I found myself constantly learning and changing my game as a referee, helping me to enjoy being a referee. In May 2024, after suffering a bad injury, I decided that my time as a player was over and that I wanted to pursue refereeing to a higher level. This led to me officiating in cup finals at the end of the 2023/2024 season and helped me to join the progression pathway.

August this year saw me get an offer from the Centre of Refereeing Excellence at the Kent FA. This group has elevated my game as a referee to a whole new level and has helped me meet other officials who also aspire to reach the top level. The centre of excellence is run by a team of match officials who operate at the same level as Ramsgate and Margate and as high as the national league. It involves fortnightly coaching sessions at Canterbury campus where we brush up on the laws of the games and discuss decision making and technical aspects of the laws, as well

as strength and conditioning work. This has given me an insight into what it takes to get to the next level.

I have also been given opportunities to officiate in leagues such as the EFL Youth alliance where I have officiated teams such as Gillingham, Bromley U16 and U18 academies and the other EFL youth teams they play, such as MK Dons and Cambridge United. As well as the Isthmian Youth League where I have been able to officiate a good standard of football and learn from the match day coaches and other refs who watch my games and offer advice.

In the 2024/25 season so far, I have reached level 6 and am aiming to reach level 5 by the end of the season, have refereed in male and female adult leagues and joined the centre of excellence. In the future my plans are to help other young grassroots officials across Thanet.

Whether that be through workshops or working with Ramsgate and Margate to help the officials that support their grassroots youth teams, as abuse towards young match officials has increased in Thanet. And personally, I hope to go as far as I can as a referee and hopefully make it to the premier league or higher!

ADVISE

My advice to referees who are just beginning is just to be confident.

Confidence will help you sell decisions and make clearer calls, and no one can argue with someone who looks like they know what they’ve seen. But for younger officials I emphasise the use of the yellow armband as it can prevent a lot of abuse and help others acknowledge how old you are - and it helps them know you’re learning the game like the players are.

Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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YOUTH TEAM FOCUS

RAMSGATE U13’S GIRLS The majority of the U13 girls have now been playing together since 2020 having been formed from the Ramsgate FC Saturday Wildcats sessions. At the time there were not enough payers at the correct age group and so over half the team are a year younger, and despite girls’ football taking a huge forward step, they have stuck playing at a higher age to be with siblings and friends.

Managed by Jon and very ably assisted by three coaches, Chris, Steve and Pete, the girls are currently lying 3rd in the Kent Girls and Ladies U13 league with enough games in hand to go top, fingers crossed.

This season the coaches have been working with the girls on playing out from the back and building their confidence in their teammates, and although mistakes are often made, they are becoming a much better team for it. “We try to play a more possession based game working from the back through the thirds” says Jon “We have some talented girls who can pass the ball really well, and playing this way, although with an element of risk, provides us with some great team goals and girls who are becoming more confident to play with a ball at their feet and work hard on and off the ball for each other”.

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The girls had a lot to say when we asked them about the team with comments like “because all my mates are here and its fun”, “Because it gives me joy on a Sunday when we play and being with the other girls”, “Great training and good coaches”.

A parent commented that “Playing in this team has resparked her enthusiasm and love for the game”.

This season the girls have made the step to 11 aside which has had its positives and negatives. There is so much more space on the bigger pitches, which some girls are still getting used to and others seem to thrive with. “They still look so small to be playing on a full size pitch but there are not any ridiculous scorelines so it’s all positive and going in the right direction”.

THE GIRLS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A FIRST TEAM PLAYER COMING TO TAKE THEIR LAST TRAINING SESSION BEFORE THE BREAK AND ALSO HAVE A NIGHT OUT AT BOWLING PLANNED.

“ MY DAUGHTERS IN HER SECOND SEASON PLAYING WITH THE TEAM AND ITS A REAL PRIVILEGE TO WATCH SUCH A BRILLIANT GROUP OF GIRLS ENJOY THEIR FOOTBALL, DEVELOP THEIR GAME AND PLAY FOR EACH OTHER. THE STANDARD IS EXCELLENT AND WE ARE AIMING FOR TOP SPOT IN THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON”.

COACH PETE

Thanet Football Magazine - December2024

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YOUTH TEAM FOCUS

MARGATE U10 BLUE

BY JAMIE JEFCOATE

OSCAR

VICE CAPTAIN

SHAUN MOORE AND I RUN THE MARGATE UNDER 10 BLUES SIDE NOW, AFTER 4 YEARS RUNNING IT WITH DARREN MILLER, A LEGEND AROUND THANET, COACHING KIDS IN YOUTH FOOTBALL. Originally the side started by Darren was from the Thanet Colts branch of the Ramsgate youth section, and we were formed as Ramsgate under 7 Blacks. A season over there then see us move to Margate where both Darren and I are massive Margate fans, so everything came together more for us and the team once that move was made.

Fast forward to the under 9 season, the Blues entered the East Kent Youth League and won the start of the season tournament. However, we felt we needed a better challenge and left the league before the league got started and played in the under 10 Faversham league. We didn’t recognise the success of playing up a year for the boys, until we moved back to our own age in the Faversham league, where we won a Faversham league festival. Meaning technically, we were a double winning side that season. The core of the side were mascots at the Margate Vs Ramsgate semi-final last season in the 3-1 win at the Kent Senior Cup also.

During our under 9 season, the way the boys played I guess, attracted attention from other parents and players. Marley from Herne Bay was the second player from outside of Thanet to want to join us, where we already had Mayed from the under 8 season who is from Canterbury. Shaun, my new assistant, came in with his son Benji, from another Margate side. At the tail end of the season Olly and Harry also from Herne Bay joined the side, along with Preston from Ramsgate, but more importantly a Margate FC regular.

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June came and it was a well needed break, however there is no getting away from summer tournaments. We were successful in beating a very strong Maidstone Blacks side in the Bromley green tournament.

Behind the scenes though, the side that parents don’t see is the constant contact with the club about training slots, meetings, equipment and kits. Shout out to Daniel Winsbury for giving the exact training slot the under 10 Blues wanted: on the main pitch, under the lights on a Wednesday night, with a full quarter of the pitch for the team. He, and the rest of the team behind the scenes do so much for the club, along with James Fellows, Wes Hammond, Danielle Green, and Sarah Higgs to name a few.

Pre-season friendlies take some organizing along with trying to tie in games when most of the squad are available during summer holidays. The squad Shaun and I put together; we felt we could challenge some Junior Premier league sides. We played Ashford, Ebbsfleet, Chatham, and Snodland. We lost all 4 but they were competitive, and it was nice to compete against these sides who many of their boys had trialled or are currently trialling at Premier league or football league academies.

With our training kit we went a bit unique; we wear black shirts whilst the rest of the club wear the Margate away colours of either white with black hoops, or the famous pink kit. Plain Black shirts suit us though, we are a unique grassroots side who like to stand out by playing good football. But also keeping something close to the team from the original name where everyone knew us as the blacks.

Pre-season was a success, we lost 4 close games to the JPL sides and never lost to a side from any other league who were grassroots level. We entered the Faversham league under 10s, where we won all games except a 0-0 draw with another Margate side.

Shaun and I find it very rewarding, the cold Wednesday nights at Margate football club are full of fun, with the balance of seriousness to maintain being that under 10 sides who play nice football and score bundles of goals. Training comes with blood sweat, and rarely a tear from the boys.

We have our little routine of getting the boys together before training and calling someone out for a new haircut or new football boots and that is met with a round of applause from the rest of us. Lateness also gets a round of applause too... and that is met with a one pound fine per player, along with one pound kit fines for missing items, which all parents and players took well too. Banter is key to the team morale, and I think the success of the side comes from the friendships the boys have with each other, myself and Shaun. The biggest fine went to Shaun for being late to a game which cost him £10, but it is all for a good cause and will go towards our Christmas night out somewhere local in Thanet.

PRESTON

GOAL MACHINE

In January, we seek a new challenge, me and Shaun do want to move the boys into 9 aside after Christmas, playing one year up, so will be looking to add one or two new players.

Special thanks go to Steve at Argyle Drains Ltd, who sponsored our home kit for two seasons in a row. Big thanks to the Parents of the Margate under 10 Blues for supporting the team week in week out. Big thanks to Margate youth, and Margate football club for all that you do for Margate under 10 Blues.

And on behalf of Shaun and I, and all the boys, we would like to wish the blue side, the neutral side……. and I guess the red side of Thanet…. a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

#UPTHEGATE

Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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YOUTH TEAM FOCUS

THE SQUAD LUKAS CAPTAIN

SHAUN

Shaun is assistant gaffer, my go to man. Dad of Benji. Loves a cup of tea and there to make sure that I put the right amount of players on the pitch.

PRESTON

Preston is a goal machine. Reminds me of a Jack-in-the-box, works that hard that he even chases footballs that aren’t even part of our training session. Knows exactly where the back of the net is for sure.

MAYED, MARLEY & OLLY HAVING A LAUGH

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HARRY

MAYED

LUKAS

MATTHEW

BENJI

OSCAR

Harry is utility man, he’s your man who’s above average at everything. Jack of all trades. Defender, winger, midfielder.

Quiet boy but gives it his all.

Lukas is relaxed, elegant, and brings the ball out at the back at his own leisure. Him and Benji complement each other so well, he always leads by example. Captain, leader, legend.

Benji our baby-faced defender, quiet, but absolute man mountain defender, gives 110% on the pitch. Isn’t the quickest physically but reads the game so well. Unreal defender.

OLLY

Olly, defender/winger lighting quick, can hit a ball, unreal defending 1v1. Scored some long-range efforts as well.

Mayed, lightening quick feet, gives 110% every game.

Turns defenders inside out for fun. Winger but loves a role through the middle now and again.

Matthew has the second highest appearances in the side, been with us from day 1. Scores goals in bunches. Like lightening over the plastic at Hartsdown park.

Oscar, centre mid highest appearances for the side. Gaffers’ son, midfield maestro. Loves scoring dramatic goals and covers every blade of grass. Vice-captain. .

JAMIE

And there’s me… Jamie, gaffer, just a dad with cones who loves football. AKA Margate J, or from the Rams fans, who wish I was one of them, call me purple J for some reason!

MARLEY

Marley wand of a left peg, loves a worldie, cuts inside like Arjen Robben and swazzez one into the top pins on the regz.

ARE YOU A MANAGER / COACH OF A YOUTH TEAM AND WANT TO BE FEATURED? EMAIL: NIK@THANETFOOTBALLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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MARGATE FC COMMUNITY PROGRAM

‘STORY TIME’ INITIATIVE HERE ARE SOME SNAPS FROM MARGATE FC’S VISIT TO BROADSTAIRS LIBRARY FOR THEIR ‘STORY TIME’ INITIATIVE AIMED AT BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE FOOTBALL CLUB! MEN’S SENIOR PLAYERS LOUIE ATKINS, GABRIEL DUO, REECE HOBBS WOMEN’S SENIOR PLAYERS REBECCA NIBLETT, ANGEL FOSTER, LAURA ALDRIDGE Joined Margate U8’s and local children from the community at Broadstairs Library on 23rd November.

A great morning was had with story time and designing a football shirt!

With thanks to Broadstairs Library.

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Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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NOVEMBER OVERVIEW

SUNDAY LEAGUE NEWS HERE IS AN OVERVIEW OF ALL THE ACTION WEEK BY WEEK FOR MILES & BARR THANET SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 10 ROUND UP

Lanthorne remain top of the group A table in the Chris Sear Memorial Cup after a 6-2 win against Hussar, Spencer Cove scoring four times in the win. Windmill sit second in the table following a 4-0 win against 19th Hole, Jamie Brown getting a hat trick. Lesters Athletic moved closer to qualification for the Quarter Finals thanks to a 4-2 win against Frames United, Danny Waters with a double, plus one apiece for Joe Hill and Joseph Tremble.

Kings United remain top of the group B table as they came out on top against Red Arrows in a match that featured eleven goals. Danny Martin hitting a hat trick and one each for Elliot Farmer, Luke Hillman and Lee Palmer for Kings, the Red Arrows scorers were George Fuller, Haden Plank, Brad Kelly and two for Steven Godden. Another high scoring match saw TWS Cramptons edge past Monkton 5-4, Oliver Sexton with two and one each from Samuel Belsey, George Cook and Dom Crawford. Matt Hardy getting a hat trick in defeat for Monkton. Macies remain second in the table after a late penalty secured a 3-3 draw with Counting House, Thomas Barton, Rhys Ellerington and Cain Smith the scorers for Macies whilst Scott Roddam, Elliot Payne and Matthew

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Weatherly were on the scoresheet for Counting House.

Into the Chris Sear Memorial Shield and Garden Bar still sit top of the group A after a 4-1 win against Franklins, Phil Doughty, Jasper Marsh, Freddie Saunders and Jake Roud all getting a goal each. FC Inter Westgate are second after beating Thanet Athletic 3-0 thanks to goals from Niall Ashmore and a brace for Tom Winch. The other match in the group saw The Vale defeat Prince Albert 3-2, Paul Jones with two and one for David Crane with Luca Janota and Finley Regan replaying for Prince Albert.

Easy Scaff made it three wins from three in group B as William O’Keefe scored five goals in their 7-3 win against Westwood, Owen Todd, Camron Haswell and Jamie Ridgeway were the other scorers whilst Will Bath scored all three goals for Westwood. Rob Edwards, Joe Emm and Callum Morgan all scored a goal each as Sandwich Town defeated Northwood 3-1. Bailey Friend scored a hat trick for Holman Carpentry in their 8-2 win over Aussie Arms, Harvey Lewis with two and one each for Chris Clark, Charlie Jones and Bradley Ostler being the other scorers for Holman.

WEEK 11 ROUND UP

A solitary goal from Ben Munday saw TWS Cramptons inflict a first defeat of this season in all competitions on Kings United in the Premier Division Cup. The other match in the Premier Division Cup ended in a draw as Counting House and Windmill drew 1-1.

Lesters Athletic remain top of the first division after a 3-2 win against Macies, Lewis Ford scoring twice for Lesters.

Images courtesy of Aaron Westgate Photography Hussar are second in the table following a 6-2 win against Red Arrows, Steven Ball, Kaiden Campbell, Kieran Davis, Reece Greig, Danny McGovern and Steven Lennon all getting one goal each in the win. Westwood recorded their first points of the season as they defeated Northwood 5-1, Will Bath getting a hat trick and a brace for Marc Beresford.

Two goals each for Matt Hardy and Lewis Rye helped Monkton to a 6-1 win over Easy Scaff, Oli Frewin and Jordan Rye getting the other goals, Jamie Ridgeway getting the Easy Scaff goal. There was a Sunday League rarity in the match between Westgate Social Club and FC Inter Westgate as the match ended goalless.

following the match ending 2-2. Triston Jevons and Oliver Sexton with the goals. Penalties were the downfall of both Lanthorne and Counting House as they lost out to Red Lion Dover and The Plough respectively. A last-minute goal saw Frames United fall to defeat against Canterbury Red Star and 19th Hole were beaten by The Bull Dover.

Garden Bar missed the chance to top of the table in the second division as they drew 3-3 with Franklins, Frantisek Balog getting two of the goals for Franklins. The Vales lost out on ground to the promotion places after falling to a 3-1 defeat against Thanet Athletic, Ryan Bacmeister, Cameron Escudier and Joe Lawless getting the goals for Thanet.

Daniel Fisher, Bailey Friend and Niall Woodcock were all on target for Holman Carpentry in their 3-0 win against Prince Albert.

There was also good news in the Sunday Junior Trophy as four of our teams advanced to the last 32. Franklins winning 2-1 with goals from Frantisek Balog & Lewis Higgins. A hat trick from Freddie Saunders saw Garden Bar past Woodnesborough whilst Shrimpos won 2-1 with goals from Jimmy Duncan and Gareth Rushton. Lesters Athletic needed penalties to get past Red Lion Bridge Reserves and Easy Scaff fell to a 2-0 defeat against Tankerton Royals.

Shrimpos claimed the three points against Sandwich Town in their re-arranged Chris Sear Memorial Shield match, Gareth Rushton taking his seasons tally to fifteen goals with a hat trick in the 3-2 win, which took them up to second place in the group B table.

WEEK 12 ROUND UP

It was mixed bag of results for our teams in the Kent Cup last weekend, eight teams advanced to the last 32 of the Competitions.

In the Sunday Premier Cup, TWS Cramptons are the sole survivor after a penalty shootout win against Heron United

Into the Sunday Junior Cup and there was better news for our sides, Monkton beating Chilham and Macies getting past Bay United helped by a Chris Parish double. Dayne Cumming and Joshua Wood got a goal each as Windmill beat Hussar in an all-Thanet tie.

There were also some league matches last Sunday, in the first division, Westgate Social Club are up to third in the table after a 5-3 win against Westwood, Dan Howard, Paul Jarman and Ryan Kennedy amongst the scorers. A double from Daniel Harris and one from George Fright earned FC Inter Westgate a 3-1 win over Northwood. A big win for Prince Albert in the second division as they beat Aussie Arms 7-0. Sandwich Town are up to third in the table following a 3-1 win against Thanet Athletic, Sheldon Lloyd with two goals for Sandwich. Holman Carpentry moved up to fourth after a 3-2 win over The Vale, Aayush Thapa scoring twice for Holman.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56....

Thanet Football Magazine - December 2024

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NOVEMBER OVERVIEW CONTINUED

WEEK 13 ROUND UP

Storm Bert Arrives in Thanet TWS Cramptons suffered their first defeat in the Premier Division Cup as goals from Jake Regan and a Ross Aylett brace gave Counting House a 3-1 win, Wes Hennessey netting for Cramptons. Lanthorne now lead the table following a 6-1 win over Frames United, Matthew Robinson and Spencer Cove scoring twice and one apiece for Louis Michael and Haydn Gray. 19th Hole recorded their victory in the competition after a solitary Brandon Lovell goal earned them a 1-0 win against Windmill.

Lesters Athletic remain top of the first division table but dropped two points as they drew 2-2 with Red Arrows, Lewis Coot & Tate Lee-Ayres scoring for Lesters with Lukasz Olubek getting both goals for Red Arrows. Hussar missed the chance to close the gap on Lesters as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against FC Inter Westgate whose goals came from

Daniel Harris and Joe Drury. Macies are third after goals from Thomas Barton, Chris Haycock, Daryl Leitch and Connor Parish gave them a 4-0 win against Northwood.

Jamie Ridgeway scored a hat trick for Easy Scaff in their 6-1 win against Westwood, Will O’Keefe with a double and Mitchell Thorpe being the other scorers, Oliver Evans was the Westwood scorer. Matt Hardy scored all four goals in Monkton’s 4-0 win over Westgate Social Club.

Shrimpos dropped their first points of the season as they drew 1-1 with Holman Carpentry, Gareth Rushton getting the goal for Shrimpos with Daniel Fisher netting for Holman. Sandwich Town remain third after a 2-2 with The Vale, Luke Howe opened the scoring for Sandwich before The Vale hit back to lead, courtesy of a Joshua Twyman double, only for Gennaro Esposito to score a late equaliser to share the points. A double from Aidan Holdford and one from Kyler Jeans saw Thanet Athletic to a 3-0 win over Prince Albert.

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE MILES & BARR THANET SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE FACEBOOK PAGE

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