25thsept04

Ashford treat us well - Margate boss Kinnear

MARGATE manager Chris Kinnear takes his side to Redbridge as they hope to continue their good form of late in the Nationwide South, writes Stephen McCartney.

After agreeing a ground share deal at Ashford Town's Homelands ground in the close season, the long serving manager admitted he is still missing his home comforts at Hartsdown Park but insists his club are being well looked after by the Ryman League Division One club.

When asked if he is missing playing at Hartsdown Park, Kinnear said: "It is an influence, I wouldn't be telling the truth to say it wasn't, but you just have to get on with it really - but it does make a big difference.

"Even though Ashford are very friendly and make us welcome and look after us very well, the lads don't mind playing there really, but it's just not your own.

"It's like staying in a bed and breakfast when you could be living at home up the road.

"You are just not comfortable.  However, it's an ends to a means and we just got to get on with it."

Back on the pitch, 'Gate have been struggling in defence and only had three fit defenders for their midweek game.

Kinnear, however, is confident they can pick up three points today in the game played at a ground, which is a only goal kick away from Barkingside tube station.

"Redbridge - formerly Ford United  - have picked up a little bit lately in their form but we are looking to go there and win", he insisted.

Kinnear revealed: "Greg Oates is struggling a bit with a knee injury and Dean Beckwith will hopefully be fit.

"He couldn't play on Tuesday because he got hurt training with Gillingham on Monday, so hopefully we'll have them back.

"Greg went off at half time and we only had three defenders so two lads from midfield had to play as full backs and we did very well."

Redbridge vs Margate
Nationwide South
Saturday 25th September 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakside Stadium, Station Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex