Delight With Debut By Gate Youngster

18-year-old attacking midfielder, Marshall Wratten, was handed his first start by Margate Manager Jay Saunders on Saturday afternoon.

Wratten has been a part of The Gate squad throughout the season, developing his experience in the men’s game. Saturday’s full debut proving just reward for plenty of hard work and endeavour.

Speaking after the 1-0 victory at Hartsdown Park, Wratten said:

“I was over the moon to have started on Saturday. Going out onto the pitch, I was more than delighted and happy to experience the walk out at Hartsdown with the crowd which gave me a lot of excitement and encouragement.”

Wratten revealed, “I got a call two hours before we had to meet, telling me I was going to be starting, so I just kept to my usual routine on a match day. I made sure I stayed focused and prepared for the game.”

Playing down the wing, Wratten’s performance earnt praise from the Manager after the game, as Wratten shared his own assessment of his display.

“I feel like I done well on Saturday. There are areas I can improve on and things I can take away from the game which can be progressed as I go on.”

“I was happy to have contributed to the team by grabbing an assist and it’s a bonus it was for the match winning goal which gives me a good boost for games to come.”

Wratten added, “The game may not have been the greatest but for us it’s another three points and it keeps the unbeaten run going which the squad want to do as we approach the last few games of the season.”

“It keeps everyone’s morale high and brings a good atmosphere within the dressing room which everyone loves to be around at the moment.”

Despite his young age, Wratten is no stranger to senior football, training with the Margate First Team, playing for Dover Athletic in the Emirates FA Cup tie, as well as The Whites Academy and accumulating minutes for Southern Counties East League Premier Division side, Hollands and Blair.

“I’ve been in and out of the squad this season, I’ve had my time at Hollands and Blair which has given me more confidence and experience within men’s football. I feel it has helped me develop more as the season has gone on which I’m hoping to continue into the next campaign and become a better player.”

Looking ahead to the remaining handful of games, Wratten outlined his ambitions for the rest of the 2018/19 season.

“With the games that are left, I’m focused on getting as many minutes in the tank as I can and help contribute to the team as much as possible, so we can finish in the best position we can.”

“We all want to end the season on a good note which the fans and players deserve after the way the season has been for all of us.”

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