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by Josh Peck
MARGATE could be the team to beat in the Ryman Premier in the New Year, according to Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett.
The Gate have just been bought by Bob Laslett, with former AFC Wimbledon manager Terry Brown taking the reins on the pitch, but they could only manage a 2-2 draw with Hampton & Richmond on Saturday.
Wealdstone beat promotion rivals Maidstone United 2-1 to ensure they spend Christmas top of the table, but boss Bartlett is wary of Margate going into January.
He said: “They’re going to be up there now. They’ve made some good signings and Terry Brown is a very good appointment, along with his assistant Stuart Cash.
“We may be top, so naturally are one of the teams to beat, but Margate will be building a good squad and everyone is going to want to beat them.
“They were already a good side and have been the only team to beat us at home this season, but they will only get stronger now.”
Margate sit in 13th going into the Christmas period, with a Boxing Day fixture at Maidstone, while Wealdstone travel to struggling Enfield Town.
