We need more experience in our side, admits Yorath

MARGATE’S director of football, Terry Yorath’s first game in charge of team affairs, ended in disappointment last night, losing 2-0 to Maidstone United at Hartsdown Park.

Goals from Ian Selley and Meshach Nugent ensured the Stones bounced back from their FA Cup final qualifying round exit to the hands of AFC Wimbledon at the weekend.

And full-time Yorath knows the struggling Hartsdown Park club need fresh personnel if they’re to climb away from the bottom five of the Ryman Premier League table.

“My thoughts were that we were really looking like a very young side against an experienced Maidstone side,” Yorath told www.margate-fc.com.

“We played some decent football at times, created one or two chances but not a lot, but it’s a lesson for us all really. They were very strong all over the pitch.”

Margate’s temporary manager, coming in after the club parted company with Barry Ashby and Paul Smith at the weekend, was disappointed with the first goal conceded, describing it as “diabolical”, but the former Wales boss was happier about the start of the second half.

“We came out in the second half and thought we showed a bit of enterprise and had a go at them, but it was always going to be difficult,” he said.

Preparation for the game was hampered by the late withdrawal through injury of two players which was a source of frustration for the Margate boss.

But the two players that came in – Ryan Harker and Luke Wheatley – acquitted themselves very well with Wheatley coming in for particular praise. “For a 17 year old to come in to come in and play against a strong side like that – I thought he did very, very well.”

Cleary home form and league position are a cause for concern but Yorath remains optimistic saying, “If we can bring a few more experienced players in, I’m sure we can (climb the league).”

And he also spoke about the possibility of a change to the system that Margate usually adopt. “If I could bring in maybe another centre-half and change the system to 3-5-2 then perhaps that might shore things up at the back and give us a bit more going forward.” Naming no names, Terry added, “I’m still looking and talking to other strikers, as well as Mo.”

Yorath was speaking about former Stones striker, Mo Takaloo, returning to the club, having recently played for Maidstone United and Ramsgate.

And he added: “There are some promising things there but overall we need experience (to progress).”

Margate travel to Essex on Saturday to play Billericay Town, who are expected to include former Blues’ player-manager, Robin Trott in defence.

Quotes courtesy of www.margate-fc.com

Billericay Town v Margate
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 1^st November 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SA