Margate boss Mark Stimson looks ahead to Isthmian Premier game at fellow relegation-threatened team Cheshunt

Margate manager Mark Stimson believes it’s a mystery why Cheshunt are struggling this season - as the two relegation-threatened Isthmian Premier sides prepare to lock horns.

Gate had been due to visit Cheshunt tonight (7.45pm) as they aim to get a first victory under Stimson, which would end a 14-match winless run after 16-goal striker Steve Cawley netted in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with basement boys Concord.

Margate sit just above the relegation zone in 18th, ahead of Cheshunt but Craig Edwards’ troops, relegated from National League South last term, have two matches in hand on them.

Stimson, whose side return to Hartsdown Park action against play-off chasing Bognor this Saturday, said: “That’s always a tough place to go. I know their manager (Edwards) really well - they’re a team who always gives 100 percent.

“They were in National League South last year, so why they are where they are is a bit of a mystery.

“Then, on Saturday, we play Bognor who have had two wins on the trot - one at home and one away. That’s taken them up to eighth. It shows, if you get six points, all of a sudden, you can jump up the table.

“I’m a believer, if the performance levels are good - sooner or later - the results will turn around.”

Captain Sam Blackman is an injury doubt, having sustained a calf knock against Concord on his return from suspension, while playmaker Ben Greenhalgh serves the final two matches of his ban.

Gate’s match at Cheshunt was postponed due to frozen pitch after a 3pm pitch inspection.