We've certainly got room for improvement, says Margate boss Simon Osborn

MARGATE’S joint-manager Simon Osborn says he wants to mark the club’s 100^th year in The FA Cup with a home victory over Kingstonian tomorrow.



Kingstonian arrive at Hartsdown Park sitting in third-place in the Ryman Premier League with 19 points from their opening nine league games.

The Surrey side are one point and two places higher than Margate going into the First Qualifying Round clash.

Osborn said: “It’s 100 years’, I think it is now, since Margate have had their first FA Cup game so that’s a special occasion in itself.”

“I think both clubs wouldn’t look at it as an ideal draw with two clubs doing reasonably well in the Ryman Prem and it’s a game that we’re looking forward to and hopefully we can get the right result.”

Osborn added: “I think it’s a difficult game. They’ve got some pace about them. They’ve had a good start as well so they’ll have a bit of confidence. I think it’s going to be an entertaining game.

“I’d like to think and touch wood we’ll be the ones that come out on top.”

Reflecting on his side’s start to the league campaign, Osborn says he expects Margate to get better.

He said: “I’m pleased where we’re sitting at the moment and the points that we’ve accumulated.

“There’s still lots to come and we’ve certainly got room for improvement and we’re working on that. If you don’t look to do that then I think you’d be a bit stupid.

“I’m reasonably pleased how we’ve grounded out results. I’d look to improve on performances but beggars can’t be choosers in some respect.”

Croydon-born Osborn enjoyed a glittering playing career, playing for Crystal Palace, Reading, Queens Park Rangers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers, Port Vale, Gillingham, Walsall and Hereford United, before dropping into non-league to play for Bromley, Croydon Athletic, Cray Wanderers and Erith & Belvedere.

When asked about his personal FA Cup memories, Osborn said: “Not bad! At Palace I went most the way through. I was actually with them when I got to the Final. I didn’t actually play. I wasn’t in the squad but I signed professionally for them so I went to a few games.

“With Wolves, I got to the semi-final as well, so I’ve been lucky with that, but I’ve been knocked out at Walsall by Slough, so I’ve been at all ends of the spectrum really.”

Everybody in non-league loves FA Cup day and it’s only since the birth of the Premier League and Champions League that England’s biggest clubs have disrespected the competition.

“It’s a special thing. It’s exciting,” said Osborn.

“Since I’ve been a kid, the build-up to it and everything else. I know things have changed with television. It was a special occasion The FA Cup and I’ve been fortunate to play at the lower levels with Walsall at that level and also Bromley and Cray and places like that and got through with Bromley to the first round proper.

“It’s a special tournament. It’s a great occasion for the non-league sides if they can make their way to the first round, not only financially but the exposure they get as well so we’ll be looking to do as well as we possibly can and go as far as we can.”

The winners of all First Qualifying Round ties will scoop £3,000 in prize money from The Football Association.

When asked whether there is pressure riding on tomorrow’s game, Osborn said: “I don’t think it adds pressure in our respect but what it does do it just keeps that little bit of interest there and the further you go the more money and it eases cash flows and everything else with regards to the football club.”

Meanwhile, Scott Kinch is suspended and on-loan Jake Hessenthaler hasn’t been granted permission by his club Gillingham to take part just in case he is needed in the First Round on Saturday 9 November.

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

Margate  v  Kingstonian
The FA Cup with Budweiser First Qualifying Round
Saturday 14^th September 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ