Trott expects high pressurised Thanet tussle - EXCLUSIVE

MARGATE player-manager Robin Trott is anticipating another hard-fought Thanet derby at Southwood Stadium tomorrow (1pm), writes Stephen McCartney.

The two arch-rivals shared the points in the 1-1 draw at Hartsdown Park on Boxing Day - and both clubs are desperate to earn both the local bragging rights and more importantly the three points to enhance their play-off credentials.

Ramsgate, however, are the highest placed of the two, in seventh on 55 points, just one point adrift of fifth placed side Horsham.

But you can’t afford to rule anybody out in this crazy Ryman Premier League and although sitting in tenth place in the table, Margate are just four points adrift of that coveted fifth spot.

And Trott, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the Thanet tussle agreed: “Of course you can’t. If you don’t, you’re a fool. It’s still very tight!”

Trott, however, looked on in disbelief when his side threw away a 2-0 lead over Wealdstone, only to have to settle for a point in a 3-3 draw at a blustery Hartsdown Park yesterday.

The central defender was forced off the pitch with a troublesome hip injury early in the second half, being replaced by Mark Goodfellow, which ultimately cost his side two points.

“Well, 2-0 up, cruising and we let in a few sloppy goals,” Trott reflected.

“We played well first half, we went deservedly 1-0 up, should have been more really.

“They had a good chance to pull it back but Scott Chalmers-Stevens saved it, a great save and second half we got the deserved second goal. Very comfortable, very comfortable.”

But when he was forced to watch the game from the sidelines, things started to go downhill.

“I had to substitute myself because I’ve been injured and as soon as I came off, the organisation at the back totally went and we couldn’t get it back,” said Trott.

“They had a five minute spell and that’s when they scored their goals. The first was an own goal (from Louis Smith) and that was it.”

Trott’s men will have to dust themselves down and go again and total commitment will be the key at Ramsgate on Monday.

Only three sides have won at Southwood Stadium in the league this season and Trott knows what is in store.

“A big crowd, a great atmosphere, plenty of tackles, plenty of everything really,” he said. “It should be a decent game.

“Both teams have got to win it really. We can’t stay too far from the pack. We’re not far away from the back but it’s a big game for both teams.”

He added: “We’ve played them many times since I’ve been manager and it’s never been any different.

“You don’t have to get yourself up for it (as it‘s a big local derby). There’s a lot of pressure on both clubs, both managers, both sets of fans.

“There’s a lot riding on every game, they’re all big games.”

Disappointed about yesterday’s draw, Trott added: “We’re upset that we’ve dropped two points against Wealdstone, who we should have beaten.

“We should have picked up three points.”

As always, Trott has kept his team selection close to his chest and will decide tomorrow morning whether or not he’s going to start.

Listen to BBC Radio Kent for second half updates in their sports programme from 2pm - 96.7FM or www.bbc.co.uk/kent