Margate boss Iain O'Connell waiting for Shaun Welford scan results

Friday 29th October 2010

MARGATE boss Iain O’Connell says he wants to be in the draw for the final qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Monday lunchtime, writes Stephen McCartney.

O’Connell’s men welcome their Ryman Premier League rivals AFC Hornchurch to Hartsdown Park tomorrow - and the boss knows exactly what to expect from the Essex side.

“It will be tough. I’ve known, I’ve played against Hornchurch for years and they’re always big, strong and usually pretty direct and it will be a tough game,” O’Connell told www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the Second Qualifying Round clash.

He added: “Hopefully we’ve got enough in our locker to get a win.

“It will be nice to be in the draw on Monday and hopefully get some income (£3,000) for the club as well.

“If we can win Saturday, it’s always nice to listen to the draw. Hopefully get another home draw and have a little run.”

The Urchins arrive in Kent sitting in eighth place in the table with 19 points from 13 games, whilst Margate sit five places lower on 16 points from 12 outings.

“I think we’re unbeaten in our last four games now, although we’ve drawn our last two games nil-nil,” added O’Connell.

O’Connell has drafted in striker Andy White, 19, on an initial month’s loan from League Two side Gillingham, following the loss of striker Shaun Welford, who has scored 10 goals in 13 games so far this season.

White is a tall, pacey striker, who made the switch to the Gills in the summer after completing an apprenticeship at Championship side Reading.

He made his first team debut in the Carling Cup match at Norwich City and has been a regular for Gillingham’s second string this season.

O’Connell said: “We’ve lost Shaun Welford for a little while. He had a scan last night on his hip so we’re just waiting to find out the extent of the damage he’s done so we should find that out today.

“He’s been awesome. I think he’s the best forward in the league. He’s a total old fashioned English centre forward so we’re gutted but we’re hoping it’s only going to be a couple of weeks, but we’re waiting for the results today.”

O’Connell explained why he has released Sierra Leone striker Ishmail Kamara, who scored only one goal in ten appearances for the club.

“Ishmial certainly has something about him,” O’Connell told www.margate-fc.com . “But I’m just not getting enough minutes on the pitch from him so reluctantly I have had to release him.

“I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him the best of luck at his next club.”

If his side avoid a draw against Hornchurch on Saturday, Margate will welcome play-off chasing Blue Square Bet South side Bromley to Hartsdown Park in the First Round of the Kent Senior Cup next Tuesday (7:45pm)

O‘Connell said: “I’ll be having a look at some players in that game. “I think it’s important to look at squad players and players in the reserves. It will probably be a mixed and match side.”

When asked if he’s looking to win the Kent Senior Cup, O’Connell replied, “It would be nice to win it but it’s also a good way of looking at players who haven’t been featuring in the first team.”

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

Margate v AFC Hornchurch

FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Qualifying Round

Saturday 30th October 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

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