Saunders Awaits Tough East Thurrock Test

Manager Jay Saunders admits he “still expected” to beat Leatherhead in the week despite their improving form, a new Manager and new squad, as he looks ahead to this weekend’s clash away to basement side East Thurrock United.

“No disrespect to Luke (Tuffs) or Leatherhead but when you look at the league table and see where they are you want to win those games”.

“They have only lost once in their previous five and the game was a different proposition than the one we would have faced if we played on the original date”.

The Blues were left to rue not taking their chances in the opening 30 minutes of the game which they dominated and Saunders think missing a 20 goal a season striker has been an on-going problem this season.

“You only have to look at our goal difference and you can see that has been a problem. A 20 goal a season striker would fix that.

I am not digging anyone out but everyone had a quiet game on Tuesday. I though Benas (Vaivada) done well but everyone else was quiet, even Ben (Greenhalgh) who has been exceptional for us this season”.

Margate will come up against another side scrapping for survival on Saturday as they travel to Rookery Hill, and Saunders knows it will be another tough test, despite current league standings.

“It is another team down there scrapping for their lives. They gave Lewes a real test last week. I know they were there watching us at Leatherhead and all I can say is they shouldn’t read too much into that because that wasn’t us at our best”.

“But as always we will prepare right and go there on Saturday and hopefully be solid again and get the three points this time”.

Monday this week saw Saunders celebrate his three-year anniversary of his return to Hartsdown Park as Manager. Due to a global pandemic during that time, the boss hasn’t yet completed a full season in charge of the Blues.

“It is a strange one because I haven’t completed a full season yet, three years in. Fingers crossed it looks like we will this year and I would say this has been my most enjoyable by far”.

“The pandemic played havoc because you get a squad together then everyone leaves and it gets frustrating. But we are building something now and I hope the fans can see that we are doing that”.

Kick off at Rookery Hill is 3pm but as always if you can’t be there then you can stay up to date at the clubs official Twitter feed @margate_fc from 2:30pm.

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