Saunders Pleased With Point

After his first 90 minutes in charge of Margate, new manager Jay Saunders took a number of positives from his side’s endeavours.

Faced with a team in form in the shape of local rivals Tonbridge Angels, The Gate came back from a goal down to draw 1-1.

Speaking after the match, Saunders said:

“If you had offered Mike and I a point away at Tonbridge who are on a good run, Macca has got a good side here who are in and around the play offs, we’d have taken that.”

“With the position we are in and our current run of form, it’s a really positive result. I certainly thought we deserved it and created plenty including in the second half with Dave and Friendy’s headers, so all in all we warranted it.”

Besides earning a valuable point on the road, the match offered an opportunity for Saunders to assess the squad at his disposal versus a team pushing for a play off place.

“I have taken a lot of positives away from today. I had more of a back seat role today to see how things run and there are lots of things that are good and there are things we can improve on.”

“We need to add one or two for more depth to the squad but overall I’m really pleased. I think we need to add to the final third, goals from open play has been a problem and today we’ve created good chances but not taken them. So that is an area where we really need someone.”

Saunders added,

“I thought Flisher was excellent today and a real menace but I think Flish can offer you so much more out wide as well but he’s done a job for us. When Mike and I spoke before today, we wanted to make sure we had experience on the pitch and I think that is another area to look at.” 

“I thought coming in Kedell had a great debut, it was tough for him as he’s only met the players today, doesn’t even know all their names but he did really well and gave it his all.”

There was further praise for the Margate squad who were applauded by Saunders for their work-rate.

“It’s nice to see familiar faces in the dressing room and I know what certain players can give me and I know when players aren’t putting their all in but today I can't call anyone out on that.” 

“I thought every one of them gave everything right down to Louis is goal who I thought was unlucky with the penalty but his kicking and distribution were excellent.” 

“Connor Dymond at right-back did really well too. I spoke to Mike beforehand and with the big, physical threat of Taylor we felt it was a big ask of Pax so put Connor there and he was excellent. There’s plenty of positives and I am looking forward to seeing the boys and working with them in training.” 

Saunders’ final word was reserved for centre-back Ben Swift. After conceding the penalty which enabled Margate’s hosts to take the lead, the young defender made amends with both his overall display and the all-important equaliser.

“Swifty said he got a push which happens but his response was excellent. The two boys up top are a handful and he and Friendy handled them really well.”

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