The big problem we've got is we haven't scored enough goals, says Margate boss Simon Osborn

MARGATE joint-manager Simon Osborn says he hasn’t been involved in a thirteen-goal thriller since he was a kid.



Margate thrashed Wroxham 9-4 in The FA Carlsberg Trophy First Qualifying Round last Saturday, which was the Thanet club’s largest win since beating Gravesend 9-2 on 3 May 1968.

Margate’s goalscorers were Charles Ademeno (2), Jack Sammoutis (2), Phil Walsh, Matt Bodkin, Giannoulis Fakinos, Scott Kinch and Ryan Dolby.

“It was pretty entertaining, lots of goals in there, some good play going forward and a couple of little individual mistakes,” reflected Osborn.

“It was entertaining, but it was welcomed goals for us to give us a little bit of confidence if I’m honest with you.”

Osborn was disappointed that goalkeeper Craig Holloway conceded four goals in an extraordinary game in Norfolk.

“There was a couple of individual errors in that so it’s one of those things. We won the game and it was done and dusted.

“Although I’m disappointed, I’m pleased that we managed to get the nine goals.

“It’s not something that I’ve not been involved in for some while – probably back in kids’ football, but there was some good play going forward – a couple of goals were pleasing. It will give the guys up front a bit of confidence going into Saturday.”

Margate travel to Lewes on Saturday sitting in tenth-place in the Ryman Premier League table, with a record of six wins and three draws from thirteen league games.

Lewes, meanwhile, lie in fifth-place with six wins and six draws from thirteen league games and are six points adrift of league leaders Maidstone United.

Osborn expects a tough game at The Dripping Pan.

He said: “It’s going to be a difficult game. They’ve had a good start to the season, a couple of little ups and downs in recent weeks, a bit like ourselves but it’s not an easy place to go and play football.

“We’re expecting a tough game so we have to be right on our game to get something out of it.”

Osborn would be in heaven if his side were to score nine goals again in east Sussex.

“The big problem that we have got is we haven’t scored enough goals,” admitted Osborn.

“We’re creating chances but haven’t taken them and I think in doing so we’re a little bit up and down.

“We got a great result at Wealdstone (winning 1-0) and unfortunately followed it up the following week at Bury (losing 2-1) and not capitalised on that great result.

“That’s something that we’ll be looking to improve on over the next couple of weeks.”

Margate, meanwhile, have signed former Wycombe Wanderers and Eastbourne Borough midfielder Georges Ehui.

Speaking about the nineteen-year-old Ivorian, Osborne said: “Young George is a midfield player who was previously at Wycombe. He just come in to give a little bit more strength in the middle of the park and we’ll see. He’s come in for a month and we’ll see whether he can force his way into the squad. Touch wood, he’ll come in and put pressure on a couple of other players.”

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

Lewes  v  Margate
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 26^th October 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Dripping Pan, Mountfield Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2XD