Delight With Carshalton Victory

With two fixtures in three days, it has been a busy period for The Gate. After a disappointing performance on Saturday afternoon, Margate’s management team were looking for a response and three points against Carshalton Athletic on Monday evening.

And a response they got. A hard-working display secured three valuable points and Joint Manager Steve Brown reflected on a hectic few days.

“We got the reaction we wanted which now makes Saturday’s result more of a shame because if you get something against Haringey it can start to create momentum .”

“You beat Worthing, get a point at home and then the win against Carshalton and go into Saturday’s game against Harlow on a bit of a roll. So, it was a bit of a setback on Saturday and it did come out of nowhere. We had a great training week, Monday was excellent and Thursday equally as good, and then we turn up on Saturday and it was just really flat.”

Brown added, 

“Sometimes, there’s no explanation. You ask the players searching for answers and you don’t get a great deal of feedback as to why it was flat, and you get here this evening and hope they respond in the right manner.”

The visitors took the lead through a stunning Frannie Collin free-kick but were pegged back via the penalty spot. Joe Taylor scored a late winner as Margate showed resilience and determination to bring the points back to Thanet.

Assessing the 90 minutes, Brown said:

“Carshalton is a tough fixture, they’ve got some bright forward players and they’re a good team and we had to do a job on that. We had to get through their bright start and adjust our shape a little.”

“After that we began to stifle them, and I don’t recall Henry having a lot to do, so in that respect I thought our shape and discipline was very good and that’s a credit to the players”

“We worked harder and won more individual battles than we lost which allowed us to gain control of the game at times and the really pleasing thing is we’ve got Frannie and Joe on the scoresheet.”

The Gate were denied a clean sheet by a penalty decision that caused conversation in the stands - and the side-lines too - as Brown admitted the call divided opinion.

“If I’m honest, I didn’t think it was a penalty. Mike thought it was and that sums it up. It’s a tough call for the referee. It could of cost us, it turns out it didn’t.”

“If we look at it technically, Pax is caught on the wrong side and – theatrical – maybe, but if you get a touch, you can be as theatrical as you like and the referee gave it. I’m not going to be critical of the decision as it is a 50/50.”

“The penalty was a decent strike and it would have been a tough one for Henry to save. At that point, you’re hoping your team has enough to find another goal because I think we shaded it chances wise and in my opinion did enough to deserve the win.”

Another goal was found courtesy of Taylor who received praise from Brown for his display.

“Joe was excellent tonight. I thought he held the ball up well on Saturday as he did tonight but the difference between Saturday and tonight was his work rate, it was probably the best I’ve seen it, I thought he put in a terrific performance and deserved his goal.”

“I felt for the centre half who did alright for Carshalton and it was a bit of a mistake on his part, but Joe has got himself in a position where it allowed him to put the defender under pressure and his shot was a clinical finish. Frannie’s free-kick set us on our way, it was an outstanding strike and the keeper had no chance. “

Travelling supporters got to see new loan signing Jordy Robins complete his first 90 minutes for the club and his contribution was applauded.

“Positionally, Jody was terrific, we know he is a good passer of the ball and has a good football brain. He’s still learning but it was great to see him get through 90 minutes and play so well.”

Attention now turns to Margate’s next Bostik League tie at Hartsdown Park on Saturday afternoon.

“This was a great response, we look at Harlow and if we can get three points against them, we are beginning to push ourselves into the right area in the league.”

“It is such a shame as we had a period a little while ago when we played Whitehawk and Lewes where I think we should have picked up six points but only took one. You can’t dwell on the past but we dropped points when we shouldn’t and we’ve got ourselves back in a position where we are in and around the right areas.”

“We need to captialise on this really good performance this evening and push on Saturday and get ourselves another good result.”

Tickets for Saturday's match against Harlow Town can be purchased here.

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