We've got to make our next two home games count, says Butler

Thursday 04th February 2010

MARGATE boss Mark Butler says his side must take advantage of their next two games to climb out of the Ryman Premier League relegation zone, writes Stephen McCartney.

Hendon arrive at Hartsdown Park on Saturday (two sides inside the relegation zone) before Wealdstone visit next Tuesday and after last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat away to play-off chasing Kingstonian, Butler wants his side to bounce back in style.

“I think Saturday’s game is massive for us anyway,” Butler told www.kentishfootball.co.uk after his side missed good chances to claim a point.

“We need the two home games,” he added. “We’ve played most of our games away from home and we’ve looked quite good.”

Margate have claimed six wins and six draws from their 22 league games and are only a couple of points adrift of safety.

Hendon arrive at Hartsdown Park, having won seven and drawn four of their 20 league outings, so a win for Margate on Saturday will sent Butler’s side even closer to safety.

When asked how many points his side must bag to ensure safety, the 44-year-old replied, “Fifty! It will probably be at least 50. It’s always 50, four teams go down. It’s always the benchmark. Some people have gone down on 50.

“It will be tight but we’ve only just halfway through and if we won the next four games and you’ll all be saying to me ’can we get into the play-off’s?”

Butler, the former Ashford Town (Middlesex) manager renews rivalry against Wealdstone next Tuesday night and the Margate boss hopes the Stones will be physically drained by the time they arrive in Thanet.

“We’re playing Wealdstone at home on a Tuesday, and Wealdstone play Tuesday, Thursday (at Tonbridge Angels in the Championship Manager Cup, Saturday and then away to us on the Tuesday and we have to make those two games count quite simply.”

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com for live commentary of this game

Margate v Hendon

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 6th February 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

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