Every club wants a really good Cup run and there is no reason why we can’t do that this season, says Margate joint-manager Mike Sandmann

MARGATE joint-manager Mike Sandmann has bolstered his attacking options ahead of their FA Cup First Qualifying Round home tie against Horndean tomorrow.

 

Sid Sollis has returned to the club following a spell with Bostik South East Division side East Grinstead Town, Stephen Okoh, 23, has signed from Scottish League One side Stranraer, while George Brown has come in on loan from Sky Bet League Two side Colchester United.

Margate are in thirteenth-place in the Bostik Premier Division table, having won two, drawn one of their first six league games.

Hampshire side Horndean arrive at Hartsdown Park sitting in seventh-place in the Wessex Premier – two levels below Margate – and have a 50% league record from their opening four games.

“We are all looking forward to starting off our FA Cup campaign at home to Horndean,” said Sandmann, who runs the team alongside former Charlton Athletic man Steve Brown.

“It’s been a mixed start for us as we feel our performances as a whole have not reflected on the amount of points we currently have.

“Some of the football we have played and chances created is really pleasing but we need to make sure we are doing better in front of goal.

“We can’t knock the work ethic of the group and the young players that have come into the group have been excellent.

“We identified early that we need more forward players and I’m pleased we have been able to bring some in.

“Sid Sollis coming back into the group is another young attacking player with huge amounts of potential.

“Stephen Okoh and George Brown have also been signed this week and available for tomorrow’s game, another two exciting young attacking players.”

The Football Association have increased prize money to £6,000 for winning First Qualifying Round ties.

“Every club wants a really good Cup run and there is no reason why we can’t do that this season,” said Sandmann.

“Tomorrow is a one-off Cup game so league positions and status is irrelevant in my eyes.

“We know we are going to have to be at our best to win the game. They will come to us with no pressure and the freedom to play and we must match that.

“We, of course, will speak about the opposition tomorrow but the main focus is on us and how we perform.  We want to control the game in our play and continue to create chances, which is only a mater of time before we start converting.”

Margate pulled off a coup by attracting a rock band to sponsor the club and Sandmann revealed: “The Libertines are expected to attend tomorrow’s game to support the lads.”

Visit Margate’s website:  www.margate-fc.co.uk

Margate  v  Horndean
The Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 8 September 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ