Delight With First Three Points

Joint First Team Manager, Mike Sandmann was full of praise after an accomplished opening 45 minutes sealed Margate’s first three points of the 2018/19 season.

Goals from Baselle Astride, Tom Wynter, Frannie Collin, and an Alex Brown brace meant the game was won by the break and Sandmann was delighted with the start.

“The message before the game was we wanted to come away with points. We wanted to start the season in the right manner and for 45 minutes we were excellent and thoroughly deserved the victory.” 

“The game was won at half-time and you saw with some of the chances we created and football we played in the first half, of signs to come.”

After such an electric opening 45 minutes, Sandmann admitted it was a test to sustain the momentum over 90 minutes.

“It’s always difficult, you very rarely find yourself in the position of being five goals up at the break as much as you try and replicate that, it’s hard.”

“Players don’t want to get injured, we’ve got a lot of games coming up thick and fast, so naturally – as much as you don’t want them to – players step off, they don’t go for 50/50 tackles, don’t get as tight to players or look as sharp but the first 45 was enough and very pleasing for us.”

“We’ve said from the start, we won’t be at our best until five or six games into the season. You’ve seen the signs of when we’re at a it and our work ethic is high that we’re going to be a hard team to beat this year.”

Sandmann added, “But the message today, and I’m pleased it happened, is that if we do step off and don’t work as hard, then we can be punished. But massive credit to all the boys to get us off the mark.”

Additional praise was reserved for Alex Brown, one The Gate's biggest signings of the summer, who made a big impact upon his home debut with a sublime brace.

“I’m delighted for Browny. He personally hasn’t been too pleased with his own fitness and pre-season, but he was brilliant and deserved the two goals he got. They were two fantastic strikes, I’m not sure he will strike many better but I’m hoping he does.”

It was a day for the whole time to savour and Sandmann hopes the foundation laid with a strong opening day performance can propel The Gate against a strong Dorking Wanderers team on Tuesday evening.

“The environment is fantastic and atmosphere amongst the group is brilliant. You see how hard they want to work for once another, the communication between them and they get each other out of trouble if they make poor decisions.”

“We look forward to Tuesday, we know it’s going to be a very tough game but we’ve seen signs today, that if we are at our best we can be a test for anyone.”

Topping off a busy 24 hours for the club, Sandmann admitted the buzz off the pitch with the announcement of The Libertines coming on board as shirt sponsors, had made its way into the dressing room.

“The players couldn’t believe how good the shirt design was and they’re excited to have such an iconic band as The Libertines supporting the club. It is massive for everyone; for players, staff and fans, so congratulations to all involved for making it happen. We’re looking forward to welcoming them to a game soon.”

Sandmann concluded, “Positive news breed positive behaviour and the crowd today were fantastic, the atmosphere was brilliant and I know it’s a cliché but that does make its way onto the pitch. If we can continue that throughout the year, hopefully we can reward them with more positive performances.”

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