Seager relishes the underdog tag - EXCLUSIVE

Whitstable Town boss Marc Seager is plotting an FA Cup shock over their Ryman Premier League neighbours Margate in their mouth-watering second qualifying round “Seaside Showdown” at the Belmont tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

Seager’s side are currently at the top of the Kent League table having collected maximum points from their first six league games.

Seager was pleased that his side bounced back from their FA Vase exit last weekend, losing 1-0 at Sussex County League minnows Oakwood, by beating Hythe Town 3-1 in midweek, especially as Paul Fisk’s side defeated VCD Athletic 2-0 at the weekend.

Speaking in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk  Seager is buzzing in anticipation for tomorrow’s FA Cup game, which should attract a crowd of 1,250 to the Belmont

He said: “Can’t wait. Big game. We bounced back well on Tuesday with a good win against Hythe, but there is no pressure tomorrow, we can just go out and enjoy ourselves.”

After being surprising knocked out by Oakwood in the FA Vase last weekend, a result that “hurt” the past FA Vase winner, Seager was pleased with the “maturity” shown by his young side.

“The lads showed great maturity and great mental character against a good Hythe side,” he said.

“We go into tomorrow’s game with good confidence. We won’t get carried away as Margate are a very good side.

“It will be a major shock if we win. No one expects us to win but it will be a great experience for the side as they’ve not played in such a big crowd before.

Seager hopes Robin Trott’s side, full of Conference experience, turn up with the wrong attitude.

“We’ve got the ability to win. We are a good side. If Margate turn up with the wrong attitude there is a chance we could cause a major upset,” he warned.

“The FA Cup is the best competition in the world. It’s a competition for underdogs and we are the underdogs. We have to do ourselves justice and do the Kent League proud.”

Seager has, however, done his homework on the Thanet side, sending someone to watch their last two games - goal-less draws at Hartsdown Park against big spenders AFC Wimbledon and Bromley.

“We had them watched against Wimbledon and Bromley and they are a big strong side,” he said. “It will be very hard for us, lots of ex-Conference players but it’s a great experience for the youngsters who are not used to playing against a team at this level. It will be a good learning curve for them.

“They pulled off a great result against Croydon Athletic who turned up by not showing respect.

“Margate will show us respect because we have earned it. The lads deserve all the respect.

“Robin Trott is a professional man, he will have his side ready for a good game. It’s a big game for Kent football and Whitstable Town Football Club.”

With a crowd of over 1,250 expected, Seager issued a rallying cry to the Oysterboys, the Belmont faithful, to “lift the roof”.

He predicts: “Should be a great atmosphere, should lift the roof off. We haven’t had a game like this for many a year. It’s great to be involved in a game like this.”

Seager knows all about cup upsets having tasted defeat to a lower league side last Saturday. Now he hopes it will be Margate that taste those bad feelings.

Speaking about their loss at Oakwood, he reflected: “We didn’t start off very well. Games are over 90 minutes not 45.

“I wasn’t happy with the first half and the players know that. We dominated the second half but didn’t score.

“Their goalkeeper had the game of his life. We had six good chances and didn’t take any.

“It’s the first game of the season that we haven’t scored in. But we did deserve something from the game but the first half performance wasn’t good enough and we were punished for it.

“I hope the youngsters don’t freeze on the day,” said Seager. “My message to the lads is to go out there and enjoy the occasion.

“As a player I’ve played in some big games in my career - you can’t beat the big games.

Whitstable Town will remember that they took Nationwide Conference South side Maidenhead United to a penalty shoot out in their third qualifying round replay two years ago.

“If you want to be successful every game is a big game,” said Seager. “We are top of the table and every side wants to be the first side to beat us.

“That goes with the territory if you want to win things. You need to handle it in the right manner.

“It’s great being top and having a good run in the cup. Last week was a poor performance. It would be nice to have a run in the Vase but it shows that happens in cup football.

“It’s on the day that counts. If Margate are not at the races and we are, then who knows?

“The players and I are buzzing. It’s my biggest game in my managerial career so far, playing a Ryman Premier side. A side looking to go on and get into the Conference.”

Skipper, star midfielder, Marcus Perona (hamstring) is doubtful for the game but Sam Prett (groin), who missed their midweek win over Hythe, is expected to feature.

Club Websites:

www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

www.margate-fc.com