Watt Pleased With Battling Point

Margate Manager Steve Watt praised his team after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Worthing at Hartsdown Park.

A goal from Jordan Chiedozie upon his return from suspension was not enough to grant the hosts three points but the Manager felt a point was a fair reflection.

“We knew we were in for a tough afternoon before kick-off, Worthing are a good footballing side and they showed that. I think we had the best of the the start of the game but the sending off had a big impact and we had to change things to soak up pressure and the boys earned a very good point.”

“I have to give every single player credit for their effort and concentration, playing the majority of the game with 10 men against a team who like to pass the ball about the park, they did brilliantly.”

Tom Mills’ sending off in the first half made it quite the task for Watt's side but there were no complaints from the Manager about the dismissal.

“In normal play, I think it looked like a really nasty collision with both players going into the tackle but having seen the replays, we have no complaints. I’ve played with Millsy for a number of years and he is not a dirty player in the slightest and it’s unfortunate for him and for us, as he’ll be a big loss.”

The red card meant Watt had to make some more changes to his line up, which was earlier disrupted by the late withdrawal of goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley, who was replaced in the starting eleven by youngster Patrick Lee.

“I thought young Patrick was exceptional this afternoon. We had to change things late as Pidge was taken unwell. Hopefully he will recover quickly but in his place Patch was fantastic. I thought he commanded things well and defensively we looked solid under the pressure we took in the second half.”

“I’m frustrated it was yet another set piece from which we’ve conceded but there were some immense performances across the park today, some tired bodies but we’ll go again for Monday.”

Margate prepare for the second test of the Bank Holiday with a trip to local rivals Folkestone Invicta. It’s a visit Watt and his side is looking forward to.

“I went to watch Folkestone on Tuesday. They’re a fearless team, they attack well and with the extra day’s rest on us, they’ll be really up for the game. But so will we.”

“It will be another tough game but these are the type of games you want to have towards the end of the season, that really mean something. The boys have worked hard to craft these kind of occasions and I’m sure they’ll be a great crowd and a brilliant derby for both sets of fans to enjoy.”

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