Boss Bemoans Goals Conceded

Margate Manager Jay Saunders was disappointed after his side conceded three goals to fall to defeat against Cray Wanderers on Wednesday evening.

Despite a second half comeback and goals from Noel Leighton and Dan Johnson, The Gate slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Haye Lane.

Reflecting on the 90 minutes, Saunders said:

“More than anything, I’m disappointed with the three goals we’ve conceded this evening. I don’t think Cray had to work hard enough for them and we need to do better.”

“For the first goal, I think Milo can do better, the second is a sloppy penalty and the third we’ve been poor in possession. I don’t mind losing to a team that have had to work hard for their goals - and that’s no disrespect to Cray, they are a good side and you can see they will be a force this season - but I feel we have given them their goals and made a mountain for ourselves second half.”

Saunders added, “We have to be patient as we are still a new, young group, but I feel like we should have won all three of our opening games and if I look back on the goals we’ve conceded they have been our errors and that is frustrating.”

“I’m comfortable that we have got goals in our team. Goals win you games, clean sheets win you titles. That is a fact. We have yet to be opened up defensively by a team and we’ve come across some of the favourites and those who will be pushing for promotion.”

Margate have been handed a tough opening month of fixtures, and after three back-to-back away trips, Saunders admits he is looking forward to returning to home comforts on Saturday afternoon.

“I think anyone who has travelled to watch us over the past few weeks will see we have a talented, hard-working group and we’re not too far off. But if these errors aren’t corrected soon, some things will need to change. We’ve been hit by a few injuries, so I am looking to try and strengthen us, but it certainly will be good to get back to Hartsdown Park.”

“We’ve played some good sides so far; Hornchurch, Kingstonian and Cray are all expected to be contenders and if it hadn’t of been for our own errors, we could – and probably should - have more points on the board.”

“We are not far off and going back to Hartsdown where we enjoyed a good pre-season, having our own supporters backing us, that will be a good boost for the group.”

“I thought the supporters were outstanding this evening. Second half we gave a far better account of ourselves and the fans were vocal and pushed us forward. The games come thick and fast at this time of the season, so hopefully we can put some things right.”

More news