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Margate look almost certain to be relegated from the Isthmian Premier Division after a major midweek blow.
Relegation rivals Cheshunt managed a 1-0 win over play-off chasing Horsham on Tuesday night which means Margate’s survival hopes are all but over.
Even a win on Saturday for Mark Stimson’s team wouldn’t be enough, assuming Cheshunt lost at the weekend, as they would need a massive swing in goal difference to claim 18th place and safety.
Margate have accepted their fate and released a statement on Tuesday night.
It said: “It’s an extremely sad day for the club, make no doubt. This league is becoming more competitive year-on-year, the challenge grows every season.
“However, when we appointed a new manager in December, it certainly wasn’t a change with a relegation battle in mind. Quite the opposite, as we had the ambition to push for a top-half finish at the very least.
"Despite recent external articles which suggest otherwise, as a club we (have) given our full support to the cause providing extra training opportunities, financial backing to rebuild the squad, and everything in between!
"We are extremely disappointed for our supporters; all we can do now is prepare for next season and aim to bounce straight back up.
"Thank you for all your support throughout the season, it really is appreciated, especially in recent weeks when you have kept the players going.”
Margate had found some good form in recent weeks after a tough start for Stimson after he took over as manager from Reece Prestedge in early December.
Stimson took 12 games to register his first win as ‘Gate boss and although they have hit some impressive form recently, wining three of their last four games, it’s come too late.
Following the weekend win over Wingate & Finchley, Stimson said: “We’ve asked the boys to give it everything they’ve got and they have done that.
“Credit to the boys, we really expressed to them how much it means to the club and I am here doing the job and proud to be the manager of Margate and the boys are proud to be playing for Margate.”
Last night’s win for Cheshunt was good news for Margate’s opponents on Saturday, Billericay Town. They can now make the play-offs with a win over Stimson’s team and defeat for Horsham in their final game at Hastings United.
