21stsep05

Wednesday 21st September 2005

Kinnear looks for players to add to his squad
EXCLUSIVE

Nationwide Conference South outfit Carshalton Athletic are the visitors to Hartsdown Park on Saturday and Margate manager Chris Kinnear is looking for a victory to bring much needed revenue into the club's coffers, writes Stephen McCartney.

However, his side, who opened their Ryman Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Maldon Town on their Hartsdown Park return, then lost 2-1 at Staines Town, have now drawn against Harrow Borough, Redbridge, Worthing, Fisher Athletic, Slough Town and last night, at Bromley, having found themselves 2-0 down thanks to headed goals from highly-rated Tutu Henriques and Des Boateng.

But a Daniel Sacha free kick with 17 minutes left and a goal from former Bromley midfielder Gavin McGowan - 24 seconds into stoppage time - salvaged a point.

Margate comfortably beat Cowes Sports in their FA Cup first qualifying round tie by four goals to nil, and Kinnear recalls their recent FA Cup runs - and wants more of the same.

"We all can remember at Hartsdown Park when we played Fulham (1997-98 season) can't we?" he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk

"I can even remember when we went to Orient (in the first round proper in season 2002-03) got a draw there and won (the replay) at Dover - and deservedly so (then went on to lose 3-0 at home to Cardiff City in the second round proper).

"We do want to win it (against the Robins). It's important to win if we can. But again with a few injuries, we've got to see what happens."

Kinnear, however, admits he's finding signing new players from higher league clubs difficult because the transfer window - which is firmly shut - operates from the Nationwide Conference upwards.

"We need to sign a few quality players," he said.

"We've got the numbers but (we need) just that little experience that used to playing at the standard above.

"As I say the directors have said we can strengthen. It's a matter of going out there and finding them.

"The problem is with the transfer window, a lot of clubs aren't prepared to let a lot of players out as they can't get any in themselves.

"So hopefully we can start getting a few in, maybe fringe players but maybe (from) a bit higher up.

"We are on the lookout for players to add to the squad."

Margate v Carshalton Athletic
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 24th September 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate