Gaffer Reflects On Dorking Defeat

Margate Joint Manager, Mike Sandmann, felt his side deserved more for theSir endeavours against a strong Dorking Wanderers outfit on Tuesday evening.

The Gate slipped to defeat in Surrey, a free kick and spot kick proving the difference in a tough away contest. Speaking after the match, Sandmann said:

“Firstly, I can’t fault the effort and work-rate of the team tonight. We were a little bit slow off the blocks but throughout the 90 minutes we carved plenty of chances and can perhaps consider ourselves a bit unlucky to travel home without any points.”

“I think we have learned a couple of harsh lessons tonight. Dorking are a competitive side with some real quality in important areas. We cannot afford to gift a team like that – or any in our division – the goals we did this evening. I think our younger players will learn from that.”

Sandmann added, “The players are disappointed with the manner we conceded but we’re only 180 minutes into our campaign and there are already some very positive signs.”

“We can take comfort in the fact we created numerous chances and I’m confident as the season progresses, along with our sharpness, those chances will be converted.”

Whilst a mild-mannered game, there were plenty of cards distributed to both teams and talking points throughout the game and The Gate had a couple of strong penalty shouts which Sandmann reflected upon.

“I think we had two very strong appeals. In the first half, it looks like a clear handball. The referee has said he doesn’t think it’s deliberate but that would have been a great time to have grabbed an equaliser.”

“In the second half there was another decent shout, but it just wasn’t to be. I’m pleased with the application of the players who continued to carve opportunities and work hard for each other.”

Margate hit the road again, with two more trips to Brightlingsea Regent and Hythe Town coming up and Sandmann is hopeful for some more positive performances.

“It's a tough start like we knew it would be and the games are coming in thick and fast. Three away fixtures in a week is a big ask of our squad so early on in the season but I think with every game we tick-off, the boys are looking better."

"We’ll try to utilise the squad as best as we can and try our best to build some nice momentum into a busy Bank Holiday weekend.”

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