Keeper pleased to make home debut

?Speaking after The Gate’s mid-week clash against Merstham, the youngster said:

“To make my first appearance felt brilliant. The fans were fantastic despite it being a midweek and cold game. It was nice to get that debut out the way early on since I’ve joined the club, so I can know what to expect - if and when - I play again at Hartsdown Park.”

“It felt really nice playing two games so close together in my first few weeks at the club. It’s helped me get to know the boys better and the fans are able to warm to myself as a new player.”

Reflecting on the hosts’ performance, Patrick felt the team had been lucky not to craft a better result or capitalise on chances they had.

“I thought that in open play we dominated. They kept the ball well but that’s a normal Merstham side which everyone knows. We hit the post, forced a couple of good saves from the keeper and skied two over within or around the six-yard box, so we didn’t lack chances in the game.”

He added, “We just switched off at set-pieces with two almost rebounds really which they latched on to. It was disappointing but we take the positives out of the game and move onto what I know will be a tough game at Harlow at the weekend.”

The visitors’ first goal came as particularly bitter blow, with Lee and his team-mates protesting for a handball, which the officials did not give,

Patrick said; “It was a clear handball in my eyes, it would have been tough for the referee to see but the linesman should have. I managed to stay switched on for the first shot which forced a good save from myself but they were aware and quicker to the ball to snatch onto the rebound. It was a frustrating one for myself and for the boys, but we still didn’t let standards drop.”

Quickly gaining minutes under his belt, Lee’s enthusiasm and ambition is clear to see and he’s enjoying the opportunity to learn off an experienced back four in front of him.

“I have a good set of boys in front of me and great management staff so I didn’t feel under pressure coming into the game which then allowed me to settle into the match quickly.”

Lee has also been able to pick up lots from Margate Number One Lenny Pidgeley and is excited to be part of the club’s plans for a bright future.

“My ambitions are to support the boys as best I can and play as best I can. I know the situation I’m in at the club playing under Lenny. I’m learning under him and then when I get called up for the starting 11 when needed, I’m prepared to put in 100% as this club is striving for big things and I want to be a part of that.”

Lee joins the club from this Saturday’s opponents Harlow, and revealed the opportunity to link up with Manager Steve Watt was too good to turn down.

“I joined the club from Harlow Town who we have this weekend and was there from December last year, before that I was at Chatham Town. I worked with Watty at scholarship academy level at Soccer Elite and decided to join the club and am loving it and looking forward to the future.”

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