Blackman: "Whole Squad Deserve Praise"

Assistant Manager Lloyd Blackman says Margate will look to put in a “performance for the fans", especially those "that travelled to Lewes”, on Tuesday evening as they face Tooting & Mitcham in the Velocity Trophy at Hartsdown Park.

The Blues trip to The Dripping Pan was postponed after the players and fans had arrived and despite the “frustrations”, Blackman feels the right decision was reached.

“When I got on the coach the weather seemed ok, but as we travelled down the motorway I looked at Jay and thought ‘this might be touch and go’, then when we arrived I have never seen weather conditions like it”.

“I feel really sorry for the supporters that travelled again. It is the third time it has happened to us now and it is the fans you feel sorriest for”.

“As for if things can be done differently, that is for the powers that be to decide”, he added.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s tie in the Velocity Trophy, Blackman said the players and management are “chomping at the bit” to play and hopes the Blues can reach the last eight of the competition.

“After Saturday being off, we are all chomping at the bit to get out there. To be one week away from March and to still be in this competition, the Kent Cup and challenging in the league is great for the club”.

“We said to the boys that we want to challenge for everything this year and we will be doing everything we can to beat Tooting, which will be tough as we saw with Herne Bay in the last round, there are lots of good players playing in the Isthmian at the level below us”.

Speaking more broadly about the ‘Gate’s recent form, Blackman feels the whole squad deserve credit for the ‘Gate’s uneaten run in February.

“Obviously to have Ben (Bridle-Card) and a settled back four has helped with the clean sheets, however I think the whole squad need praise as it really starts from the front and everyone has contributed to this good run”.

With Bishops Stortford in town on Saturday for a huge game in the Isthmian Premier Division, Blackman says all focus is on Tuesday night first.

“We don’t have a huge squad to be rotating everyone, plus we want to be as strong as we can against Tooting & Mitcham. Injuries, COVID and other little knocks can change everything so we need to monitor that, but as far as next Saturday goes, we are just focusing on Tuesday night first”.

Margate welcome Tooting & Mitcham to Hartsdown Park this Tuesday with kick-off at 7:45pm and you can purchase your tickets in advance by clicking here.

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