Saunders Reacts To Sheppey Victory

Margate Manager Jay Saunders says it was “lovely to be back” at Hartsdown Park but warned there is more to come from his side after they beat Sheppey United at home to win their first game of pre-season after Thursdays defeat to Bearsted.   

An early own goal by the visitors and Dan Thompson’s first goal for the club were scored either side of a nice finish by a Sheppey trialists to give the Blues a 2-1 win.  

“It was lovely to be back and see some old faces and to see the ground with people in it, it felt like a normal Saturday afternoon again”.   

Being back at Hartsdown was pleasing and so was the win, but Saunders says there is more to come from his side.  

“In patches I was pleased, we had to change a lot because of a few players being unavailable. We had to use Ben (Greenhalgh) out wide and I don’t think we get the best of him out there”.  

“Pre-season is all about trying different things and like I say in patches I was really pleased”.  

It was just the second pre-season game for the Blues and Saunders admits it will take four or five games to see the benefits of the new partnerships across the park. 

“I don’t think we saw much in terms of those new partnerships gelling yet, it will take four or five games to see a better understanding”.  

“I think there was only three or four players here from last year so it’s going to take time”.  

Listen to the Manager's post-match thoughts in full on Gate TV, sponsored by Bayliss Travel.

The ‘Gate continue their pre-season campaign on Wednesday night at Hartsdown Park as they welcome a Gillingham XL side with kick off at 7:45pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance by clicking here.

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