Collins: "We want to finish strong"

Margate striker Louis Collins says he is “enjoying” his time at Margate, especially after having limited game time due to injuries and Covid over the past two seasons.

Collins, signed for the Blues in March, and even though he hasn’t scored yet for the ‘Gate, he says just being back on the pitch and enjoying his football again is the main thing.

“I have missed a lot of football over the past few seasons with Covid and then an injury after Christmas, so to be back out there playing again feels good, and I have really settled in at Margate”.

Since his arrival, the ‘Gate are yet to win, however the former Sevenoaks striker says injuries and suspensions have played a part.

“It has been hard for Jay and Lloyd as we have had a few injuries and suspensions. I feel like we definitely could have got something at Lewes, I am maybe to blame for that as I missed some chances”.

“Having said that, we know what we can do on our day and we want to finish the season as strong as possible”.

Margate travel to Carshalton this Saturday in the Isthmian League, and then face Horsham in the Velocity Trophy final at Aveley next Wednesday, and Collins hopes for a positive performance this weekend to help build momentum for the final.

“We want to finish as strong as possible so we want to have a good performance on Saturday and earn the three points going into the final on Wednesday evening”.

Due to featuring in the earlier rounds of the Velocity Trophy for Sevenoaks, Collins will be cup-tied on Wednesday, however he admits to frustration about missing the game, but hopes the players that got the Blues to the final get to lift the trophy.

“It is frustrating to not be involved, but in all honesty I think it would be unfair for me to take a place of someone that has helped get the team to this stage”.

Collins has become an instant fans favourite at Hartsdown Park, and he admits that he isn’t used to the support he has received, especially over the past few seasons.

“Like I say, I have missed some football through injuries and then when I did play it was Covid and we couldn’t have fans. The supporters here are great and really get behind us, it’s not something I have necessarily been use to before”.

Collins could next be in action for the ‘Gate on Saturday as they return to Isthmian League action when they travel to Colston Avenue to face Carshalton Athletic.

More news