The teams that go down will probably be on a record number of points - O'Connell

Sunday 04th April 2010

MARGATE’S most successful manager of the season so far - Iain O’Connell - says he is expecting a tough game at Tonbridge Angels on Easter Monday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Thanet side claimed a 1-1 draw over basement side Bognor Regis Town at Hartsdown Park at the weekend to stretch their unbeaten run to eight games - and travel to Longmead Stadium to play another side in form.

The Angels slipped down one place to sixth in the Ryman Premier League table as their trip to Wealdstone was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, whilst Margate remain one place above the relegation zone after James Pinnock smashed home a ball over the top of the Rocks’ defence to cancel out James Prior’s first half opener.

Tonbridge Angels came away from Hartsdown Park with a 3-0 win in what was O’Connell’s first game in charge of Margate at the beginning of March.

The former Great Wakering Rovers’ manager - who played for Margate during their Conference days - has taken 16 points out of 30 available since taking over from Mark Butler and is the club’s third manager of the season.

“Since I’ve been here they’re the best team we’ve played against,” O’Connell said of the Angels, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“They’re quite direct, quite strong and quite organised so it’s going to be very hard. They’re the form team at the moment, I think they’re top of the form guide, so we’re not far behind them so we go into that game and we want to win.”

O’Connell hinted that he might make changes to the side, especially considering his side travel to Wealdstone on Wednesday and face Aveley at Hartsdown Park next weekend.

“I think what you’ve got to look at they’ve played a lot of games in a short period of time and there’s a few players that will need a rest on Monday so we‘ll be changing things,” revealed the boss.

“Some of the changes have been enforced on me through suspensions or injuries but I think there’s a couple of players who do need a rest so there will probably be a couple of changes on Monday.”

Wealdstone, who were unable to play Tonbridge Angels on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch, hope to welcome Margate on Wednesday night. The Stones have still got to cram in nine league games before the end of the season (24th April) and all managers are having to plan accordingly.

O’Connell added: “We’ve got to use the squad that I’ve got because it’s almost impossible or me to play 90 minutes (on Saturday), 90 minutes two days later and 90 minutes two days after that (on Wednesday), so that’s why we’ll be making changes.”

With five games left to play, Margate have picked up 41 points this season - but the relegation battle involves numerous clubs and will go right down to the wire.

“I think the teams that go down this year will probably be on a record number of points,” said O’Connell.

“That’s how tight the league is, so we’ve got to keep going a game at a time. We can’t take anything for granted. We just have to keep going and make sure we keep our feet on the ground.”

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com

Tonbridge Angels v Margate

Ryman Premier League

Easter Monday, 5th April 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW