We must get Chelmsford out of our system, says Trott - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 23rd December 2007

Margate player-manager Robin Trott knows passions will be running high throughout the Battle of Thanet at Hartsdown Park on Boxing Day, writes Stephen McCartney.

Trott was without the backbone of his side as they were trounced 5-1 at Chelmsford City yesterday.

Jimmy Jackson (illness) was joined by Justin Skinner, Steve McKimm, Jay Saunders and Charlie Side (Trott didn’t want to reveal their injuries) on the sidelines as the Essex giants ran riot at Melbourne Park.

Striker James Pinnock, however, grabbed Margate the lead on the stroke of half-time – against the run of play – with a shot from outside the penalty area.

But former Margate man, Bertie Brayley netted four second half goals in a devastating 18 minute period, with Ollie Berquez completing the rout with eleven minutes remaining.

“They’re one of the best teams in the league definitely, they played well,” confessed Trott, when speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Despite Chelmsford City leapfrogging over surprise package Hendon to the Ryman Premier League summit, Trott believes third placed Staines Town – held to a 1-1 draw by Tonbridge Angels at Wheatsheaf Park yesterday – are also in with a shout.

Trott said: “I think them (Chelmsford) and Staines, I’ve got a feeling Staines are very well (capable of winning the title) but they (Chelmsford) played very well yesterday.

“We have got a thin squad but it might have been different had we had a few players back.”

Central defender Trott, 33, praised the young guns that have broken into the first team during his injury crisis.

“The young lads have done well, they have done well,” he said. “When you play someone like Chelmsford, they did play really well. But we couldn’t hold it together – we’ve got people playing out of position."

The two Thanet sides go into the game with a lot at stake – more than local bragging rights.

Margate, in fifth place on 31 points from 22 games, welcome their neighbours, in fourth place, with one more point, but with two games in hand.

Jim Ward’s Rams secured a 1-1 draw against big-spending giants AFC Wimbledon at fortress Southwood Stadium yesterday – a game that they should have won.

“We need that game Boxing Day to pick ourselves up again," said Trott.

“We’ve got to keep it tight at the back, we’ve got to pass the ball, we’ve got to start with a massive tempo.

“I wish I could get a few players back, but you’ve got to get on with life. It will be good for the young players.

“It will be a good test for them, good time to build their character."

Trott added: “I still believe with the players we have, we have the best team in the league but without the players we’ve been up and down.

”We’re still in there (but) if I had a full squad and we were losing every week, I would look at everything around with myself but we’re hit by so many injuries to players we’re taking every game as we can and try and build the boys’ confidence up.”

Despite scoring four goals against his former side, Trott admitted Brayley didn’t perform on a regular basis during his time at Hartsdown Park.

“People have so many chances in life – Bertie is a good player on his day, just not many days and that’s why I let him go” explained Trott.

“When people are confident they do play well but how much confidence over the season, that’s a question?

“He didn’t with us but sometimes people need the right move at the right time and this is a good time for him.”

Horsham lock horns with another Kent side when Margate travel to Queen Street next Saturday.

Trott knows what it’s like to go on a mammoth FA Cup run as a non-league side, having marked Alan Shearer when Stevenage Borough played Premier League giants Newcastle United twice earlier in his career.

“I know what it’s like being on a cup run and falling on the wayside in the league,” he recalled.

“It’s hard to get yourself back on track in the league – your bread and butter.

“You get the ups and downs on that. It’s difficult if you have a young team. If you’ve got an older team, you’re more experienced. But they’ve got a good squad.”

Visit club websites:

www.margate-fc.com

www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Margate v Ramsgate
Ryman Premier League
Boxing Day, Wednesday 26^th December 2007
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ