Thompson Ready For Replay

By Ryan Day

Margate striker Dan Thompson admits he was “disappointed” by Saturday's performance in the Emirates FA Cup against Thame but says he is “relieved” that the club have another opportunity on Tuesday night thanks to Jake Embery’s 93rd minute equaliser.

The Blues fell behind in the 8th minute of the match before Thompson levelled the scores in the 59th minute, only for the visitors to retake the lead before Embery’s last gasp heroics. 

Despite the elation at the end of the match, Thompson says the team were disappointed by their performance.

“We were disappointed especially with our start, we just didn’t get going for the opening 15 minutes, however we showed some great character in the final moments to get a 2-2 draw and take it to a replay on Tuesday evening”.

Thompson scored for the second consecutive game after netting a superb winner against Cray Wanderers on Bank Holiday Monday and the striker is pleased by the start he has made in his early Margate career.

“Another goal so I can’t complain. I am really happy and I just want to keep playing and scoring goals and just see what happens, but the main thing is I am enjoying my football again”.

The former Kingstonian and East Grinstead striker also praised his team mate Embery after he snatched the decisive goal in the dying seconds of the game.

“Jake is happy with that goal and we are all delighted for him. He hasn’t had as much playing time as he would want but when he has played he has made an impact so I am buzzing for him”. 

Thompson says heading to Thame on Tuesday night the boys know they have to put things right but he is confident Margate can progress to the 2nd qualifying round of the competition.

“We can 100% go there and win. We know we weren’t at our best on Saturday so we need to put that right. It will be a long journey on a Tuesday night but we can’t use that as an excuse and we have to put it right”.

The draw for the second qualifying round takes place at 1pm on Monday afternoon and Thompson says he will be keeping an eye on the draw.

“Yeah I will be looking at the draw and hopefully that can give us some more motivation to win on Tuesday but first and foremost we have to put our performance on Saturday right and go and make sure we progress on Tuesday evening”.

Dan Thompson is kindly sponsored by David Miles for the 2021/22 season. 

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