Margate away, Sat 3 Feb

[Bugpowder Dust]

Early start to a match thread for this, but I just took a look on Trainline and advance rail tickets are heavily discounted at the moment, under £15 return.

So worth a look if you are thinking of a classic seaside away day.

 

[ftg6]

Good spot, booked for me and a mate!

 

[EDC]

Early start to a match thread for this, but I just took a look on Trainline and advance rail tickets are heavily discounted at the moment, under £15 return.

So worth a look if you are thinking of a classic seaside away day.

From King’s Cross. I can only see them for around £21 even with a senior railcard?

 

[Pink Panther]

From King’s Cross. I can only see them for around £21 even with a senior railcard?

Southeastern website had advance bookings for £7.40 each way on HS1 from St Pancras when I looked last night, but those tickets weren't available a few days earlier. You can get as little as £5.50 each way from Victoria via Bromley South. It's £21 for an off peak day return with discount.

 

[surreybrowncap]

From King’s Cross. I can only see them for around £21 even with a senior railcard?

There are tickets for £11.00 from Victoria with a senior railcard and Kings x St Pancras well below £21...
Hope this link works...

Search Results | Trainline

Trainline, your quick & easy way to book train tickets across Europe. â Save 61% on UK Rail â Live Train Times â Save with a Railcard â Get the app

www.thetrainline.com

 

[EDC]

There are tickets for £11.00 from Victoria with a senior railcard and Kings x St Pancras well below £21...
Hope this link works...

Search Results | Trainline

Trainline, your quick & easy way to book train tickets across Europe. â Save 61% on UK Rail â Live Train Times â Save with a Railcard â Get the app

www.thetrainline.com

Thanks, I’ll give it a go.

 

[editor]

I'm in!

 

[darryl]

In from Stratford International.

(Had hoped to see a gig in Margate the night before and stay over, but the show sold out while I was still deciding whether or not to go...)

 

[Pink Panther]

Got my train tickets from London Bridge, changing at Gravesend, for £5.50 each way.

 

[pompeydunc]

Got my train tickets from London Bridge, changing at Gravesend, for £5.50 each way.

Same price but from Victoria, changing at Bromley South. It was cheaper to buy from Victoria, compared to Peckham.

 

[Pink Panther]

Same price but from Victoria, changing at Bromley South. It was cheaper to buy from Victoria, compared to Peckham.

That's great as long as you can get to Victoria at no extra cost! It's showing £6.40 each way from Peckham via Bromley on National Rail Enquiries.

It was a right palaver actually finding the cheapest tickets when I was ready to buy them. Southeastern seem to have done their best to hide most of them on their ticketing platform and I assumed they'd all gone at first, then I saw they were still showing on National Rail Enquiries. I ended up buying with my Southern account.

 

[Roger D]

Can't think why they were told to close the ticket offices, which have a legal obligation to sell the cheapest tickets. Ticket machines and online sites don't currently have that obligation.

Obviously it was. Government driven. When they abandoned it due to the public kicking off they blamed he train companies. Possibly the first time the train companies were innocent.

 

[Pink Panther]

Can't think why they were told to close the ticket offices, which have a legal obligation to sell the cheapest tickets. Ticket machines and online sites don't currently have that obligation.

Obviously it was. Government driven. When they abandoned it due to the public kicking off they blamed he train companies. Possibly the first time the train companies were innocent.

Southeastern is one of the worst. They manage London Bridge, which is one of my local stations within easy walking distance. Until recently you couldn't get tickets for Thameslink services from their ticket machines, you had to either book online or queue up at the ticket office behind all the tourists with their big luggage and complicated enquiries.

A super off-peak day return to Brighton using Thameslink only is less than a tenner at the weekend with a railcard discount, but over 20 quid otherwise. I'm sure a lot of occasional travellers must pay far more than they need to because they don't know how to navigate the menus on the ticket machines and just select the most prominent option for their destination.

I like to think I'm fairly savvy about finding the cheapest tickets but every so often I realise I paid more than I needed to for a particular ticket, which really winds me up! London Bridge to Lewes is cheaper if you split the tickets at Haywards Heath and only use Thameslink for the first leg. Bognor is little more than half price if you book a return from Bognor to London, using the return portion for the outward journey and vice versa. (You're not supposed to do that but you're highly unlikely to be pulled up for it.)

 

[Bugpowder Dust]

Ok so I know a little about Margate, and a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing...

Margate, and the surrounding area, are home to the UK's biggest selection of micro-pubs, I think due to favourable local council licensing conditions.

As you arrive at the station, the beach and town centre are right in front of you, 5-10 mins walk. I would recommend heading past Dreamland and the arcades (and a grotty Wetherspoons) to the small but perfectly formed old town.

Here you will find a load of rather good small bars, with great beer and cracking views. The Little Swift, Fez, the Two Halves are all good in this area and just yards apart. The excellent Lifeboat is just in behind. If you carry on walking along the pier you'll reach the Harbour Arms with an awesome view back to town.

Only drawback is that the ground is back to the station and another 15 mins walk. But worth it to sample the delights of Margate. There's the Turner Gallery too if that's your thing (free entry).

There's one more micropub near near the station - Ales of the Unexpected - that doesn't open until 5pm, so an option for a pre train pint.

 

[Noss]

Ok so I know a little about Margate, and a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing...

Margate, and the surrounding area, are home to the UK's biggest selection of micro-pubs, I think due to favourable local council licensing conditions.

As you arrive at the station, the beach and town centre are right in front of you, 5-10 mins walk. I would recommend heading past Dreamland and the arcades (and a grotty Wetherspoons) to the small but perfectly formed old town.

Here you will find a load of rather good small bars, with great beer and cracking views. The Little Swift, Fez, the Two Halves are all good in this area and just yards apart. The excellent Lifeboat is just in behind. If you carry on walking along the pier you'll reach the Harbour Arms with an awesome view back to town.

Only drawback is that the ground is back to the station and another 15 mins walk. But worth it to sample the delights of Margate. There's the Turner Gallery too if that's your thing (free entry).

There's one more micropub near near the station - Ales of the Unexpected - that doesn't open until 5pm, so an option for a pre train pint.

As someone who regularly goes to Margate town centre and Hartsdown Park, the above is an excellent summary, but to get to the ground from the old town I’d recommend going direct rather than back past the station (google maps will see you right). Allow 30 mins.

There’s also a newish microbrewery with a taproom, Xylo, that is in the same cluster of pubs. Not been there yet.
The bar in the ground is fairly standard for Step 3, has Brixton Low Voltage IPA, Inch’s Cider and the usual other fizzy stuff. They have a ‘beer cart’ outside too.

Football-wise Margate are on a 17 game streak without a win (yes, I know I’ve cursed it now) and have slipped into the relegation zone. The fans I’ve spoken to are pessimistic and even less happy with the thought of Ramsgate passing in the opposite direction.

 

[Pink Panther]

Ok so I know a little about Margate, and a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing...

Margate, and the surrounding area, are home to the UK's biggest selection of micro-pubs, I think due to favourable local council licensing conditions.

As you arrive at the station, the beach and town centre are right in front of you, 5-10 mins walk. I would recommend heading past Dreamland and the arcades (and a grotty Wetherspoons) to the small but perfectly formed old town.

Here you will find a load of rather good small bars, with great beer and cracking views. The Little Swift, Fez, the Two Halves are all good in this area and just yards apart. The excellent Lifeboat is just in behind. If you carry on walking along the pier you'll reach the Harbour Arms with an awesome view back to town.

Only drawback is that the ground is back to the station and another 15 mins walk. But worth it to sample the delights of Margate. There's the Turner Gallery too if that's your thing (free entry).

There's one more micropub near near the station - Ales of the Unexpected - that doesn't open until 5pm, so an option for a pre train pint.

I haven't been to Margate since Hamlet’s last visit 6 years ago, and our previous visit was 3 years before that.

The Fez was one of the best pubs I've ever visited. It has an old fashioned feel and is filled with an eclectic collection of artefacts and ephemera. Before the game it was fairly quiet and a Roy Orbison LP was playing on a vintage radiogram. After the game it was absolutely packed, with a large Hamlet contingent.

The Two Halves had a more modern and conventional feel, but was also very good. The Harbour Arms is tiny and quirky, but was very friendly, like drinking in someone's front room. Ales of the Unexpected is between the ground and the station, and the best bet for anyone wanting a quick pint or two after the game before the train home. These are all "micropubs" specialising in cask beers from small breweries, so probably won't suit anyone who likes lager or Guinness and other mainstream beers. There are plenty of more conventional pubs around the town centre but I've never visited any of those.

The Little Swift seems to be a specialist cider house with a limited range of beers, so definitely the place to go for serious cider fans. Xylo seems to focus on craft/keg beers, rather than cask. I haven't been to either of those two.

 

[EDC]

Last time I went to the Harbour Arms it was double the size from previous visits.

 

[Al Crane]

The Harbour Arms has outdoor seating as well so plenty of room 20-30 people. They didn't have the Hamlet scarf we left there years ago, but did have one for Wealdstone!

The Lifeboat had changed a bit when I went there last summer. Had lost some of its charm from when we went there on previous visits and had been 'cleaned up'; everything seemed to be served off draught pumps at the bar rather than the assorted barrels / boxes of one-off ales and ciders they used to have. The bar has now moved from the left to the right as you go in, and there was a distinct lack of sawdust.

Think it's the Fez, Harbour Arms, Two Halves and Xylo for me.

 

[Bugpowder Dust]

Margate have signed their fifth player in two weeks as they look to avert relegation. Two of those - Dom Vose and Kadell Daniel - have played for the Hamlet, not sure about the other three (Toby Stevenson, Yasir Kasim and Archie Panyi).

MATCH PREVIEW | Duwlich Hamlet (H) - 3rd February 2024

 

[Pink Panther]

Margate have signed their fifth player in two weeks as they look to avert relegation. Two of those - Dom Vose and Kadell Daniel - have played for the Hamlet, not sure about the other three (Toby Stevenson, Yasir Kasim and Archie Panyi).

MATCH PREVIEW | Duwlich Hamlet (H) - 3rd February 2024

I vaguely recall Stevenson playing against us for Billericay in their relegation season. It looks like he stayed there through last season, then joined Braintree but couldn't hold a regular place there. Kasim and Panyi sound like unproven youngsters. They also have Tyrone Sterling in their squad.

They're without a league win in 17 games now, and recently slipped into the bottom 4. Logically they must beat someone sooner or later, although I see no particular reason why it should be us unless we have a real stinker.

 

[Al Crane]

Hoping for a convincing win tomorrow to continue our good form. Apparently, their manager Mark Stimson hasn't won a game this season as manager of Grays or Margate!

As we move into the final third of the season, this next run of 7 games (Hornchurch aside) are all against teams below us in the league so if we're really going to push for the play-offs then this is time to rack up the points and make our statement. After that we have games against teams mostly above us before ending the season against a couple of stragglers.

 

[Bugpowder Dust]

Someone just reminded me of the game at Margate where the ref judged our kits to be too similar and made us play in their away strip.

Must have been pre-covid but I don't really remember much about it apart from that.

Hope that doesn't happen tomorrow!

 

[EDC]

The Harbour Arms has outdoor seating as well so plenty of room 20-30 people. They didn't have the Hamlet scarf we left there years ago, but did have one for Wealdstone!

The Lifeboat had changed a bit when I went there last summer. Had lost some of its charm from when we went there on previous visits and had been 'cleaned up'; everything seemed to be served off draught pumps at the bar rather than the assorted barrels / boxes of one-off ales and ciders they used to have. The bar has now moved from the left to the right as you go in, and there was a distinct lack of sawdust.

Think it's the Fez, Harbour Arms, Two Halves and Xylo for me.

It also has what’s probably the worst Weatherspoons dive I’ve ever been in. Tempting though.

 

[pompeydunc]

Someone just reminded me of the game at Margate where the ref judged our kits to be too similar and made us play in their away strip.

Must have been pre-covid but I don't really remember much about it apart from that.

Hope that doesn't happen tomorrow!

I think that might have been when we were 2-0 down and scored three times in last ten or so to win. Well before COVID. I think match was delayed too, so we missed the last train, but Mishi made sure all the train the travellers got assigned to lift back. Bless him. That's how I met Michael's watching and Dr Paul.

 

[pompeydunc]

I think that might have been when we were 2-0 down and scored three times in last ten or so to win. Well before COVID. I think match was delayed too, so we missed the last train, but Mishi made sure all the train the travellers got assigned to lift back. Bless him. That's how I met Michael's watching and Dr Paul.

I'm combining two games into one...

It’s a seaside party at Margate as Dulwich Hamlet launch a famous fightback

With an astonishing fightback described as a “shape-shifting liquid abstract wetdream of pink & blue,” Dulwich Hamlet heroically overturned a 0-2 first half deficit to triumph 4-2 a…

www-brixtonbuzz-com.cdn.ampproject.org

Streamers fly through the seaside air as Dulwich Hamlet celebrate the double over Margate FC

There was a boozy beano on the south coast yesterday as Dulwich Hamlet fans a well deserved victory over promotion rivals Margate, with the same 2-1 scoreline as the home game last September.

www-brixtonbuzz-com.cdn.ampproject.org

 

[Pink Panther]

As we move into the final third of the season, this next run of 7 games (Hornchurch aside) are all against teams below us in the league so if we're really going to push for the play-offs then this is time to rack up the points and make our statement. After that we have games against teams mostly above us before ending the season against a couple of stragglers.

We still have to play 3 of the current top 5 (Hornchurch, Billericay, Enfield) all at home. Given we're unbeaten at home in the league since August, it's potentially a tough assignment for those teams to play in front of 3,000+ at Champion Hill. The toughest looking away trip is Bognor, who impressed me at Champion Hill and have been on a winning streak for some time now.

Hornchurch seem to have picked up form again after replacing Steve Morison with Daryl McMahon as manager. They look to have a very generous budget, and you have to question how sustainable it all is on attendances a quarter the size of ours. It's not as if they have a 3G pitch that can be sweated for income 7 days a week, it's a council athletics ground with people throwing javelins and hammers around on the field.

To be honest I'm ambivalent about sneaking into the play-offs this season. I was really sore about getting relegated by a whisker, but in many ways I find this league more enjoyable than National South. I can certainly live with another season here if it means we can go up as champions

I think it's the number of clubs and supporters at the higher level who seem to have ideas above their station when they're not even bigger than many Isthmian Premier clubs, e.g. Dartford fans thinking National Division is their natural level when they barely managed to pull 1,000 through the gates for our visit last April, excluding our 200 or so travelling supporters. A couple of people on their forum had the nerve to criticise our lack of travelling numbers when their own ground was two thirds empty for the final month of a promotion push. Now they're in lower mid-table they're predictably not even hitting 4 figures including the away contingent.

Someone just reminded me of the game at Margate where the ref judged our kits to be too similar and made us play in their away strip.

Must have been pre-covid but I don't really remember much about it apart from that.

Hope that doesn't happen tomorrow!

Both teams had hooped shirts with a mostly white back for that game, Margate blue and white, us the Altona hoops. It can't have been any worse than Finchley turning up in mostly blue shirts the other night, or Kingstonian in dark green shirts with navy sleeves, although I think their kitman's car was stolen with the home kit in it. I doubt our mostly pink away kit will clash with anyone's home kit except Corinthian-Casuals.

 

[Alex W]

I'm combining two games into one...

It’s a seaside party at Margate as Dulwich Hamlet launch a famous fightback

With an astonishing fightback described as a “shape-shifting liquid abstract wetdream of pink & blue,” Dulwich Hamlet heroically overturned a 0-2 first half deficit to triumph 4-2 a…

www-brixtonbuzz-com.cdn.ampproject.org

Streamers fly through the seaside air as Dulwich Hamlet celebrate the double over Margate FC

There was a boozy beano on the south coast yesterday as Dulwich Hamlet fans a well deserved victory over promotion rivals Margate, with the same 2-1 scoreline as the home game last September.

www-brixtonbuzz-com.cdn.ampproject.org

Just looked through the photos and videos in the second one here, and I adore every single one of them.

The glazed, faraway looks suggest a very long day of well-spent pinting. Marvellous stuff, did a lovely job of whetting the appetite.

 

[Pink Panther]

Incidentally, I believe the mascot to in the report from 9 years ago which editor assumed was a crocodile (I mistook it for a dinosaur) is/was an alligator named "Margator".

 

[AveryDave]

Kasim and Panyi sound like unproven youngsters.

Kasim is a very experienced midfielder with close to 150 appearances for Swindon from 2013 to 2017 and 21 caps for Iraq.

Had some spells overseas but came back to England to join Welling towards the end of 2022, with shorter spells at Gloucester City, Margate and Eastbourne Borough before this return to Margate.

Remember seeing comments from some Welling fans from the time he left there that suggested he struggled with the physicality of the NLS but still had undoubted quality.

 

[editor]

I think this might be the biggest crowd we've ever taken to Margate judging by the amount of pink and blue scarves around town.