Saunders Satisfied With Win

Margate Manager Jay Saunders admitted whilst his side had not been at their best for Saturday’s contest against Kingstonian, he was still pleased with the host’s endeavours.

“I didn’t think we were at our best today. Since I have been here, that was our worst performance.”

“I thought we were solid defensively but going forward looked a little bit lax, we were not firing on all cylinders besides one or two. I picked up that vibe at training on Thursday and thought we looked a little bit tired but you have to remember we have a very small squad.”

“We lost George Brown before the game due to a family issue so that was a blow to our plans, although Marshall came in and did well. So, whilst not at our best, we got the three points and that is a good thing.”

The victory extends Margate’s unbeaten run to nine games, whilst the clean sheet makes it four in a row. As new goalkeeper Kleton Perntreou slotted into The Gate’s starting eleven seamlessly, Saunders applauded his defensive players.

“To do well in leagues you have to be good defensively first and foremost and we were and we have been since I have been here. When I came to watch games before I joined here, i felt we were strong enough defensively but needed to recruit in the forward area which we’ve done with Tobi and Noel.”

“You never want to lose you keeper but Kleton has come in and done well and we are pleased to have him. His kicking was good and anything he had to do, he did well and he has fitted in well with the boys which is all you can ask for.”

Margate’s recent run of outstanding form has dragged them out of an ugly relegation scrap and whilst the Manager is only looking up, he admits a play-off place may prove a little too far out of reach.

“I set the boys the target of getting the ten points we were off a few weeks back and they’ve got that but we are still eight points off but you never know in football.”

“I’ve set the task to the boys to get in the top ten and to say that we are now near-on points with the likes of Folkestone who have been up there and around it all season, speaks volumes of what the boys have done.”

Looking ahead to next Saturday’s trip to Bishop's Stortford, Saunders and his squad face one of the League’s in-form sides, who find themselves on an impressive four match winning streak.

“It will be tough game. You look at it, they’re a couple of points and places above us and I’m sure they’re thinking they’ve got an outside chance of a play-off place.”

“We go there in good spirits, nine unbeaten, seven wins and two draws and you can’t really ask for too much more. The dressing room is a good place. We need to take it easy in training this week as we are carrying a lot of knocks, so we have to prepare the boys right. If we do that, do what we are capable of and perform better than today, then we have a chance.”

And with regards to his own future beyond the current campaign, Saunders revealed: 

 “We have had brief discussions. My remit at first was until the end of the season and to keep the club up. I’m sure we will have a chat again when the owner is back in the country. If there is something we can do, then I’m sure we will but I’m pleased that I’ve come in.” 

“The job was to make sure we have Bostik Premier League status and we’ve done that. I’m really pleased for that. I’d have hated to see my old club go down and I’m pleased to have played a part in keeping us up.”

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