Kentish Football 
Trott: We are treating Whitstable with respect - EXCLUSIVE
Margate player-manager Robin Trott is treating Kent League leaders Whitstable Town with respect ahead of their FA Cup second qualifying round “Seaside Showdown” at the Belmont tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.
Margate, fourth in the Ryman Premier League table, could be on the end of a major cup shock if they don’t treat the Oystermen with respect, as Marc Seager’s side have collected maximum points from their first league games.
“I’m taking it very seriously, could be a potential banana skin,” Trott said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk
“We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation where we could get knocked out.
“We are trying everything we can to know everything about them and not take them literally really - it’s going to be tough.”
The Gate go into the game on the back of two goalless draws at Hartsdown Park - against big spenders AFC Wimbledon and Bromley.
Reflecting on the draws against their promotion rivals, Trott said: “Two good results. Shame we didn’t beat Bromley and Wimbledon but if we had Danny Hockton against Bromley we would have won.
“Pleased with the two results and I am looking forward to Saturday. It should be interesting and good but you don’t want to be knocked out.”
Trott has had Whitstable Town watched, and added: “I’ve had a few bits and pieces on them. I’ve always have a team watched and we know they are a strong side, very young and together.
“They are not top of the league for no reason at all. We have to be aware of them.
“But if we go into the game with thoughts that we are going to roll them over we will be in for a nasty shock,” he warned.
But Trott will install his winning and professional mentality to the rest of his squad to avoid an upset.
He said: “It’s just not in football but in any job. You have to apply yourself in the right way and do it well.
“It’s a team game. I do relate to the team as a family - a tight unit and I want it to be very bonded.
There was plenty of talk earlier in the season from the Hartsdown Park faithful that Trott has to deliver a first round proper place in the FA Cup - and promotion.
Trott, who played for Stevenage Borough in their two clashes with Newcastle United in recent years, said: “If you ask any club in this league they will say the same. There’s nothing unusual there.
“That’s not added pressure on me. I take it on my stride, trying to take three points.
“You have a lot of teams going for it - it’s hard and there’s a fine line between winning and losing.”
Margate have today confirmed that Bertie Brayley has left Hartsdown Park to join Eastleigh.
A statement on their website said: “In order to meet the demands of the player the club was forced to buy out his contract, the terms of which were agreed today so Bertie could become an Eastleigh player in time for their FA Cup match tomorrow. We wish both the player and his new club the very best of luck.”
Club websites:
www.margate-fc.com
www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk
Whitstable Town v Margate
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 30th September 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd