Suspensions could cost us the league, warns "frustrated" Trott

Robin Trott hopes suspensions to key personnel will not harm Margate’s promotion chances, writes Stephen McCartney.

The central defender, in his first full season in charge at Hartsdown Park, saw his promotion chasing men go down in the home Kentish derby against Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday night.

Jay Saunders’ fifth goal of the season was not enough as Jon Main’s 33^rd goal of the season, and a right-footed half-volley from eighteen-year-old midfielder Ian Parkes, sealed the west Kent visitors the points.

Trott, meanwhile, was without three key players due to suspensions in Justin Skinner, Steve McKimm and Paul Abbott, whilst his defensive partner, Pat Sappleton was out injured.

And midfielder Dean Standen is set to follow the trio after receiving his marching orders for two yellows on Tuesday night.

“I did say at the time it could cost us the league,” Trott told www.kentishfootball.co.uk after Tonbridge Angels became only the second visiting side to win at Hartsdown Park this season. 

“We’ve had (three) suspended, Pat Sappleton out, and I’ve lost Dean Standen after tonight for another red card so we’re not having a lot of luck.

“But teams have it and we’ve got to get through it.”

Trott, however, feels his side will bounce back when Horsham visit Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

He said: “I do love a challenge to be fair but it’s different when you’re a manager because you have to take the brunt.

“It’s frustrating, we’ve worked ever so hard to get into this position - we should be six points clear with a game in hand, now we’re not.

“We’re clinging on for dear life but everyone (at the top of the league, it’s) a bit of a bumper car, when you go round and round.”

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

Margate v Horsham
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 24^th February 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ