Harsh Lessons Learnt From Trophy Exit

Joint Margate Manager Mike Sandmann was disappointed after The Gate were knocked out of the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon.

With Potters Bar the visitors to Hartsdown Park, two first half goals were enough to nudge the Scholars into the next round, despite Joe Taylor’s consolation before half time.

Speaking after the game, Sandmann said:

“We are really disappointed with how we started the game. The goals we have conceded were poor and from individual errors.”

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve been hard to break down and after last weekend’s outstanding clean sheet, the manner of those goals came as a bit of a shock to the system.”

“We were punished and gave ourselves a big task to try and get back into the game. The young players involved in those mistakes will learn from them.”

Margate were able to respond courtesy of a good team goal but Sandmann admitted his team needed to do more to enforce a replay.

“It was a nice team goal. Jordy has shown great vision and accuracy to start the move, Pax produced a decent delivery and between Frannie and Joe we know we will always be in with a shout of getting back into a game.”

“In the second half, we threatened but needed to trouble their keeper more. Fair play to Potters Bar, they saw out the game in the way they needed to and really fought to keep their lead. We assess ourselves and will work on improving as we do each week.”

The defeat marked an otherwise unbeaten month for Margate and Sandmann is focused on a concerted effort in the Bostik League.

“It is important for us as a group to continue our League form and try to maintain a good position.”

“We will prepare for the visit of Burgess Hill on Saturday, we want to bounce back with a positive result.”

You can purchase your ticket for this weekend’s game by clicking here.

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