Hatfull: "We Want To Improve"

By Josh Cole

Harrison Hatfull says Margate were “relieved” after fighting back from 2-0 down against Corinthian, and admits that Margate got “caught out” against lower league opposition on Tuesday night.

“I think we are all a bit relieved, I know we say pre-season results don’t matter but when you come to a lower league side you expect to win and put on a performance. I think we got a bit caught out in the first half but we showed good character in the second half to comeback and get the result in the end.”

Hatfull says a “couple” of games so far this pre-season haven’t been ‘friendly’” says the referee has an important role to play in ensuring both teams get the required essentials from pre-season games.

“I think we do relish the battle with the opposition, but I think at the same time there’s been a couple of games in pre-season where it hasn’t been ‘friendly’ but I think the refs have played a part in that, which I know is easy to say but especially in pre-season the players should be protected, but we got the result and came away unscathed so that’s all that matters.”

Hatfull believes that the Blues perform “better” against higher level teams, and he is looking forward to the test that Tonbridge Angels will bring and compared it to when Margate played Dartford last week.

“I don’t know if it’s a mentality thing or something else but we perform better against better sides obviously look at the Dartford game the performance and the result there so Tonbridge obviously we know a lot of the boys there and I’ve said it before that we relish these sort of games and we’ll go there looking to put on a show and a performance for the fans who are travelling.”

Hatfull says fitness is “good” around the squad and adds that it is time the boys “kick on” as we close in on the finale of pre-season and the start of the 2023/24 Isthmian Premier League season on Saturday 12th August at home to Whitehawk.

“Fitness is good around the squad and for me personally, so now its just about kicking on and keeping everyone fit which is the biggest challenge in pre-season. Obviously keeping everyone on a good level, no injuries and go into the season with the best squad and everyone in the best shape possible.”

We are fast approaching the first game of the season and Hatfull has big ambitions to “kick on” this season and finish higher in the league standings.

“We want to push on, last season was not ideal, the second half of the season was a lot better but ultimately it’s not where we want to be, we ended with silverware last season so we are ambitious and want to push on this year, we don’t wanna be a team that are floating around middle/bottom of the table, we want to be winning games and pushing towards the top half, and everyone says play-offs is the goal but we really should push on this season and just not put a target on it and see what we can do”.

Margate continue their pre-season campaign on Saturday as they travel away from home to face National League South side Tonbridge Angels, with kick-off scheduled at 3pm. 

Harrison Hatfull is sponsored by Lesley & David Swinnock both home and away for the 2023/24 season.

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