Skipper Reflects On Busy Week

A week is a long time in football as Captain Liam Friend reflects on the past seven days at Margate.

Following The Gate’s 1-1 draw against Tonbridge Angels at Longmead, Friend said:

“When you look at the league table, you’d say it’s a good result. They’ve got a decent side and it was a good reaction from the players after going a goal behind.”

“It’s a good start to the new regime and positives to go with it and go from there.”

The Angels have been in good form in recent weeks but it took a spot-kick to break down Friend and his team-mate’s defensive line. 

“When they scored the penalty they were on top so I don’t think we can say they didn’t deserve that lead but I think that was the only real spell where they looked likely to score.” 

“As a team, all of us know our jobs so defensively we have been ok but we need more clean sheets to improve.”

“The reason why we aren’t panicking is that we have confidence to keep clean sheets we just need to score some more goals and get some points. Ultimately, it is about achieving that balance at both ends of the pitch and when we can get that, we can begin to push up to the mid-table position and enjoy our season.”

Due to injuries this season, the defensive end of Margate’s starting eleven has experienced very little rotation.

Such enforced stability has meant that Friend has built a solid partnership with young defender Ben Swift and the Skipper was delighted to see him on the scoresheet.

“Swifty is improving with each game. I know he was here last season but he was in and out a bit, but it has definitely helped him playing each week. I thought he played really well and it was a brilliant header.”

Friend added,

“It was a great ball by Dave and a very good header which we deserved. If we hadn’t got that goal, it would not have been right. I think we deserved to win it – of course I do, as Margate’s my team - but no-one could argue we did not deserve the point at least.”

With a new manager in place, Friend hopes the positive impact will reverberate into a more positive stream of Bostik League results, starting with a win as soon as possible.

“When there are changes, it will bring a buzz and what Jay has done with Maidstone – and before then - will stand us in good stead.”

“He’s won promotions and essentially when someone is a winner, that’s only going to help Margate and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

“We need to get that win. The sooner we get that, the better. We’re looking forward to a good week’s training and trying to move up that table and be where we should be.”

Support Friend and his team-mates this Saturday as Margate host Brightingsea Regent at Hartsdown Park. Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.

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