Pidgeley pleased with Gate momentum

After a torrential Wednesday evening at Leatherhead FC, Margate FC’s player of the match, Lenny Pidgeley believes The Gate’s hard-fought 2-0 victory could prove a pivotal moment in their season.

After 90 minutes contending with the conditions, as well as a well-drilled Leatherhead side, goals from Tom Mills and Jordan Chiedozie sealed what Pidgeley described as a “massive” win.

Reflecting on the game, and the Gate’s recent run of games, Pidgeley said:

“We’re now eight games undefeated but League form is the bread and butter. Coming into the game against Leatherhead, if we didn’t pick up three points it begins to look like we’re chasing where we want to be, which is in the play offs. After this win, it looks a lot brighter for us and leaves us in good stead. Tonight, was a real, real big turning point for the season”

In testing conditions, Pidgeley praised the outfield’s work-rate in helping the visitors secure another crucial clean sheet.

“Playing in weather like this means the ball is very slippy and you’ve got to try to palm stuff away rather than hold onto it. The ball is skidding and coming through to you a lot quicker, so you don’t really want balls whipped in and people rushing in.”

“We’ve done well defensively and in some games, I’ve not really had much to do besides help the boys out with their positioning with my talking and experience. But tonight, I’ve had to make some decent enough saves to keep us in it and it’s another clean sheet which is the main thing.”

The Gate shot stopper believes the team’s defensive displays so far offer promising signs for the future.

“After the late goal on Saturday which was heart-breaking, I think we’ve only conceded 4 goals in 8 games which is encouraging, as any team that goes on to do things needs to be solid at the back.”

“We definitely are and when you look back on the games that we’ve drawn or the one we’ve lost, we could have scored three or four. We could have won every game if we’d taken our chances, so we’re going into every game confident: and long let it continue.”

Solidarity in defence and solidarity in the team is key and Pidgeley was quick to point out the valuable role The Gate’s attack play.

“There’s a team-ethic where we defend from the front. Frannie comes back and plays a massive part, he’s clearing headers at the death today, Sess is clearing the lines, I’m trying to make some saves whilst the boys are busting their lungs on the halfway line. Then you’ve got Henry coming on who is sprinting all over the place to shut people down, so everyone is fighting to make life difficult for anyone, all over the pitch.”

With such togetherness propelling the team, The Blues are beginning to build some eye-catching momentum. Fans don’t have to wait long to see for themselves, as Pidgeley and his team-mates prepare to host neighbours Herne Bay in the Emirates FA Cup at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

A Kent derby in the FA Cup, another big game and an occasion Pidgeley and his team-mates are relishing.

“After the League, the FA Cup is almost on par. The players want to go as far as they can and from a financial point of view, we’re all aware of the revenue it can bring in for the football club.”

“It’s good for everyone involved with Margate that we try and stay in the FA Cup as long as possible. And vice versa, when we play in other cup competitions it’s an opportunity for the youngsters to get a good run out and valuable experience. Every game we go into we go with no stone unturned and fully focused.”

With Saturday’s match set to attract a big crowd, Pidgeley encourage local football fans to come down and play their part as the club push further forwards together.

“We get our biggest crowds at home. Here at Leatherhead this evening, it’s around 350 people but we’re getting over 600 at home. So that bigger crowd only helps.”

“If the fans get behind you it does help give you that extra edge. It’s important the fans stick with us during the tough times as well as the winning spells.”

Make sure you join us for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup clash. Our bar is open from 1:30pm screening Sky Sports, whilst the action kicks-off at 3pm!

Adults: £10

Concessions: £8

11-17 year olds: £5

Mini-Gators (Under 11s) : FREE

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