Kentish Football 
If you want to achieve something, and you work hard enough, you’ll do it, says Margate boss
Monday 15th November 2010
MARGATE boss Iain O’Connell says hard work will be the major factor in seeing his side climb up the Ryman Premier League table.
Margate put in an excellent shift against league leaders Sutton United at Hartsdown Park at the weekend, securing a 3-2 victory, which pleased O’Connell.
“The boys deserved it,” he told www.margate-fc.com. “They worked their socks off, they all came off really tired.
“I’m really happy because I think at their place we deserved a point and didn’t get it.”
“The boys deserved it, they worked their socks off and
Dan Stubbs, with a second excellent individual performance since his return to the club and Wayne Wilson with his two goals will take the plaudits but the manager said: “It was a team performance just won by an absolutely weldie goal by Wayne, so I’m really happy.”
Reflecting on recent matches without his top scorer, Shaun Welford, the manager maintains his confidence in his other players. “There has been a lot of worry about Shaun being out of the side, and we do miss him, but we’ve still got a good side here without Shaun and that’s been proved today.
“Sutton are top of the league for a reason; they’ve obviously been the best side so far in the league and we’ve gone and beaten them at home.”
Looking forward to the trip to basement side Croydon Athletic on Wednesday evening, the Gate boss has some selection issues to resolve with both Welford and Jay Saunders (back from suspension) available. “It gives me a lovely, lovely problem which I haven’t had for a little while.
“I’m just really pleased for the lads and obviously with Jay and Shaun coming back; it’s going to strengthen us even more. It just makes you look forward to the next game.”
One question that arises for this victory is, can it act as a spring-board for the rest of Gate’s season? The manager says: “If you speak to the boys; we all know what we want, I know what the board want, I know what the supporters want, and it’s (now) down to the payers. It’s a mental strength thing; if you want to achieve something, and you work hard enough, you’ll do it.”
Two-goal hero Wilson, meanwhile, added: “There seems a lot more confidence, especially after last Tuesday (a draw at Tonbridge Angels). We’re passing the ball a lot more as well now, which I think everyone has commented on.”
O’Connell, meanwhile, has confirmed that striker Alex Waugh will be extending his loan period at Ryman League Division One South side Faversham Town.
“With Shaun Welford’s return from injury imminent and Jay Saunders returning from suspension, I feel Alex’s football development can better be met by him playing at Faversham rather than sat on the bench at Margate,” said the Gate boss.
The former Malgo striker has found his opportunities limited at Hartsdown Park, making five appearances and scoring twice for the Blues, before making the switch to Salters Lane on 14th October.
Waugh has also expressed a wish to be playing as often as possible and has done well at the Lilywhites, already finding the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Meanwhile, one of Margate Football Club’s longest serving members of staff has retired. Groundsman Ray Baker has retired after 21 years with the club.
A club statement said: “The club would like to say a sincere thank you to Ray who has served as Head Groundsman for the last 21 years. But he has now decided to retire from him his duties and take a very well deserved rest.
“The club held a presentation after the Sutton United game in The Hartsdown to acknowledge the great service Ray has given to the club over the years. He has maintained the pitch and ground to a very high standard over the years under sometimes difficult circumstances.
“The directors presented Ray with a gift on his retirement plus a lifelong season ticket so he can come along to Hartsdown Park and make sure his predecessor is keeping up his high standards!!!!
“Everyone at the club would like to wish Ray a long and happy retirement. He leaves with thanks for all he has done for Margate Football Club.
“Ray's son Mark will be taking over his father’s duties in the interim period as the club looks to recruit a replacement; no easy task!”
Quotes courtesy of www.margate-fc.com
Croydon Athletic v Margate
Ryman Premier League
Wednesday 17th November 2010
Kick Off 7:45pm
At The KT Stadium, Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd