Margate player-manager Ben Greenhalgh’s fond memories of previous meeting with weekend hosts Littlehampton Town as Gate return to Isthmian South East action

Margate player-manager Ben Greenhalgh can only recall facing weekend hosts Littlehampton once previously - and does so with fond memories!

Promotion-chasing Gate will return to Isthmian South East action after a two-week break at the Sportsfield this Saturday when they’ll take on a side just above the relegation zone on a five-game winless run.

Greenhalgh faced Littlehampton - then of Sussex County League Division 1 - in the FA Cup first qualifying round with Maidstone 10 years ago.

He recalled: “I think I’ve only played Littlehampton once before - with Maidstone in the FA Cup. We won 10-0 and I scored two goals.

“But I’ve watched Littlehampton at Wembley [reaching the FA Vase final in 2022], as well, so I know they’re a team on the up. To be fair, they have got some good players.

“Sittingbourne beat them 1-0 last Tuesday but Sittingbourne are a very strong and very dynamic side.

“It will be similar to the Phoenix game for us. They are both better than they look on the league table and Saturday will be a tough game.

“But we will go there with a game plan and try to stick to it. If we do that, we can keep our momentum going.”

Gate’s enforced break from competitive action has proved a welcome one for forward Ben Allen, who has had an injury-hit start since his move from Dartford, while some of their promotion rivals have dropped points at a time when Margate’s players have had their feet up.

“The good thing is it’s allowed people like Ben Allen to be pushing to be back in the squad,” said Greenhalgh, who brought his players together for a light training session on Saturday.

“Considering he was a great signing and Ben’s a brilliant lad, we’ve only had him for three games.

“He did well in those three games but he’ll be like