We could still win the last six games, insists Kinnear

Margate manager Chris Kinnear was disappointed to see his team lose 2-1 at home to play-off challengers Heybridge Swifts at Hartsdown Park yesterday – but commended his players on their fighting spirit.

On a blustery afternoon, the Essex visitors snatched two quick goals midway though the second half and the Kent side just didn’t have enough to get something out of the game.  Danny Hockton netted a late consolation.

Kinnear told the Non-League Paper: “The team responded well.  They didn’t lie down and really gave it a go.

“They’ll think they nicked three points.  They played well, but we had more chances and their keeper kept them in it.

“Paul Nichols pulled off a couple of great saves, but we were the better side.

"The players are disappointed.  It wasn't a game we deserved to lose.  We've (recently) gone 12 games unbeaten, but we could still win the last six."

The defeat, Margate's 14th of the season, sees them drop to fifth from bottom - just three points above Hendon but ten above Maldon Town, who are inside the drop zone.