I am pleased with the way we have started but think we should have more points on the board at this stage, says Margate boss Steven Watt

MARGATE manager Steven Watt says his side should have more points on the board.

The relegated club lost their unbeaten record in the Bostik Premier Division after going down to a 1-0 defeat at Wingate & Finchley yesterday.

“Saturday was a tough one to take, although the game itself wasn’t a great spectacle, we created enough chances to win the game,” said Watt.

“We started the game very well and could have scored in the first five minutes and I think if we did that first goal, I believe it would have gone on to be a comfortable afternoon.

“We were very comfortable against a side that finished in the play-off’s last year, they had two shots on target in 90 minutes, one of those being in the last seconds of the game when we were pushing for the equaliser.

“We maybe have to put it down as one of those days in the final third.  We certainly need to start taking our chances and need to make more from the positions we get ourselves in.  I’d be more worried if we weren’t creating chances.

“It’s very pleasing to go away from home against a team that finished in the play-offs and restrict them to next to no chances but at the minute we are getting punished for any lapses in concentration we have and we are not finishing our chances.”

Margate finished at the foot of the Vanarama National League South last season and go into tomorrow’s home game against promoted Dorking Wanderers sitting in thirteenth-place in the Bostik Premier, having won one and drawn two of their four games.

“I am pleased with the way we have started but think we should have more points on the board at this stage, especially with the way we have played and positions we have got ourselves in games,” said Watt.

“We have played teams who finished fifth, sixth and seventh last year in this division and we have more than matched them. 

“To be successful in this league and in any league you need to be strong defensively and I think as a team we have defended very well.

“Looking at the table last year the top four teams all scored roughly the same amount of goals but 18 points was the difference between first and fourth and 14 points between first and third.

“The main thing that struck me was about the top two sides were the goals against. That was the reason they finished where they did. Dulwich were top scorers in the league but finished 14 points off top.

“We are trying to build a side from a solid base and I think we have shown in games so far that first and foremost we are going to be difficult to beat and with time we will gel as an attacking side and the goals will come, as long as we continue to create the chances we are creating.

“The club and fans have been through a tough time on and off the pitch last season and we have put an entire new squad together and are still gelling as a group.

“We are trying to rebuild the club on and off the pitch in the right way and it will take time.

“I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen so far and barring the width of the crossbar against Tonbridge (a 0-0 draw at home) and switching off in the last minute against Leiston (a 2-2 draw at home), we could be sitting on nine points but those are fine lines you have to fall on the right side of if you want to be in amongst it come the end of the season.

“I can see us getting stronger as the season goes on and I’m looking forward to see how it unfolds.”

Dorking Wanderers finished runners-up in the Isthmian League Division One South last season and were promoted along with champions Tooting & Mitcham United after beating Hastings United and Corinthian-Casuals in the play-offs.

Marc White’s side arrive at Hartsdown Park three places below Margate with four points on the board.

They were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Staines Town yesterday.

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

Margate  v  Dorking Wanderers
Bostik Premier Division
Bank Holiday Monday 28^th August 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ