Collin Relieved After Last Gasp Penalty

Margate goal scorer Frannie Collin expressed a mixture of delight and relief as his last-minute penalty earned an important point against Worthing on Saturday afternoon.

Collin showed great composure to step up and convert an 86th minute spot-kick after Sidney Warden was clumsily fouled in the area.

Speaking after the game, Collin admitted the point was one to savour and the goal dedicated to the home supporters.

“I think it could prove a very good point and hopefully a turning point for us in our season.”

“We’ve not performed well enough at home this season - it’s as simple as that - and the fans have stuck with us which I can’t thank them enough for, because I know from past experiences at clubs, how toxic and detrimental it can be to the team when the fans turn on their side.”

“So, I’d like to personally thank them for their support during what’s been a tough period for us all. Given the nature of the draw and how threadbare we are at the minute it felt like a win and we have to use this as a springboard to kick on with now.”

With plenty of experience stepping up for the big moments, Collin knew exactly how important a moment it was.

“To be honest I just had to score. With how things have been going for us, if I’d have missed it would have left us all deflated, so to see the ball hit the net was a relief and pleasing to give us something from the game that I felt we warranted.”

“We have been on the wrong end of too many late goals this season for our liking, so we were due one in our favour.” 

Collin added, “It was a good point because I do feel that over the course of both games, they’re the best side we have faced so far and we’ve managed to take four points off them which is a huge plus for us.”

Collin is one of a handful of Margate players with a bountiful amount of minutes under their belt so far this campaign. There are no complaints as Collin revealed the tight-knit squad are fully aware of what is required of them.

“The squad is what it is, everyone can see how low on numbers we are and a fair share of the boys that are playing are playing with their own individual knocks and problems.”

“But there’s no point moaning, we just need to keep grafting and hopefully add to what we have to help us in the second half of the season.” 

“We need to build on it in our next game which fortunately is a little while away to help give the boys a chance to get over their knocks and hopefully have one or two back from injuries and added to the squad."

With The Gate not in action for a couple of weeks, the tempo turns up a notch with three tough games in seven days, it’s a challenge but one Collin relishes.

“It is part and parcel of the game we have to get on with it, everyone plays the same amount of games come May so it shouldn’t be an excuse.”

“Obviously the midweek Lewes game is not ideal but as I say the break is a good thing for us with where we are squad wise at the minute.”

And with a trip to the league leaders up next, Collin is after another good performance and more points to build upon.

“Haringey up next is a great game for us, away to top of the league and no one will fancy us. But we have performed well against the better sides in the league and we go there looking to take all three points.”

“The league is extremely tight this year and a run of consecutive results can change the whole outlook for everyone, so we must build on the point against Worthing.”

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