We can cause Tonbridge problems, says upbeat Butler

Monday 28th December 2009

MARGATE go into their Tuesday night Ryman Premier derby with Tonbridge Angels on the back of beating Maidstone United at a muddy Homelands, with skipper Lloyd Blackman leading the way by scoring the game’s only goal, writes Mike Green.

New Gate boss Mark Butler told www.kentishfootball.co.uk and BBC Radio Kent after the Boxing Day success that his skipper hasn't let him down.

Butler said: "I’m pleased that Lloyd scored today but the pair of them are in the bar right now, and they’re saying that they’re a team up front but I’m pleased for Lloyd. I understand he received some stick here and there but since I’ve been at the club he’s hit five goals in six games,. And I’m pleased for him today!"

There was also praise for keeper Matt Read, who's second half penalty save from James Pinnock, sealed the points for the Gate.

Butler said: "I think the penalty save epitomised what I was just saying about pulling together and bailing each other out of trouble. We’ve made an error – was it handball or not? I certainly saw Wayne’s (Wilson) arm in air so you’ll get no complaints from me about it, but some of the lads said he didn’t touch it – I think you leave yourself open if you leave your arm up so maybe an injustice I don’t know.

“But Reidy’s come up trumps and bailed us out, which was no more than we deserved on the balance of play.

“On another day, Anthony Joseph should have had a couple of goals and although Maidstone are a good side I thought we looked OK today."

Since he took over the new boss has hardly had a home game (indeed he joked that he didn't know where Hartsdown Park was!) before looking ahead to a very tough few days for the Men from Thanet.

Butler said: "Tonbridge are always a decent side – I know Tommy (Warrilow) and they always gave us a hard game when we were at Ashford!

“It’s a tough Christmas for Margate – Maidstone home and away and Tonbridge - the first one’s out of the way with three points in the bag which is nice, and now we’ve got a different set of challenges as we’ve got a home game.

“I know I’ve got enough to cause teams including Tonbridge problems, the question has been about keeping a clean sheet, and now the boys have done it today, it’ll be about doing the same on Tuesday night – get mean and do it again. Without doubt it will be a tough game tough!

"It is a relief to play at home finally," Butler admitted, "would you believe that we’ve now got three on the bounce (Tonbridge. Maidstone and Tooting) and if we can get some decent return on that both financially and points wise things will look a bit more rosy for us.

“But they are three very difficult games for us – I have watched all three recently. I know Tonbridge are big and strong; we knew what we had to do against Maidstone and Tooting are a big set of tough lads; so it really is a tough set of games for us now!"

With the division being so tight, there's still a good chance that if a side can put a run together they can march up the table reasonably quickly - a point that wasn't lost on Butler.

"I don’t doubt that is we won all three we’d be right up there and my glass is always a half full glass, but the main thing that we have to do is to stabilise and secure a place in the division first, and if we can do that quickly then maybe we’ll have a little look up and have a bit of fun.

“But right now this wont paper over the cracks that have happened in the past but it could lead us onto better things. I’m going to enjoy tonight but as of tomorrow morning I’ll be preparing for Tonbridge."

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

Margate v Tonbridge Angels

Ryman Premier League

Tuesday 29th December 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ