Season 10/11 - Conference National
This season was a little better than last, with the team living up to the expectations of the board.
Last season the board expected to win the league, and it is reported that the pressure was too much for both the manager and the players, who managed to finish in 8th place last year.
This season Margate practically halfed the number of teams between themselves and the top and finshed in 4th place, just inside the play-off zone.
Since their failure to retain Leauge 2 status, I've re-thought my long-term strategy and decided another couple of seasons in the Conference National would be good for the team. It would allow some of our youngsters to develop and allow our reputation to catch up to the other Conference National teams.
It would seem, as soon as you decide not to aim for promotion, you stand more chance of getting it as I reached the play-offs (as already stated) without too much bother. That takes us to the last 4 games of the season. (playoffs and FA thorphy)
Playoff-Semi Finals 1st Leg (Away)
This was a rocky match, with Margate going both a goal and a man up in the first half, thanks to a Boston Utd defender tackling like a rabid goat in his own penalty area.
Second half and Margate go 2-0 up, controlling the game until a WEAK Boston Utd free kick evades everybody and passes straight through my gob***** keeper. 10 minutes to go and they score again. Full-time, 2-2. ROBBED!!
Playoff-Semi Finals 2nd Leg (Home)
Boston Utd get a first half lead with a fine strike, and Margate look to be staying in the Conference National until, on the 89th minute my MC equalises! 3-3. I thought we were still going out on away goals, but apparently it doesn't count here. Extra time and goals on 105 and 115 minutes secure Margates place in the play-off final.
FA Thorphy
Once again, Margates affinity with the FA Thorphy is all too evident as they get to Wembley again, only to be robbed in the 80th minute against the run of play. a 1-0 defeat sends Margate home empty handed.
Playoff Final!!!
Margate go into this game with mixed emotions. It's the play-off final. We did not expect to be here and we have newly defined long term goals which include a few more seasons in the Conference National. There are rumors that the Margate manager was considering fielding a team of youngsters to ensure they would face Conference opposition next year, but the rumors were quashed come match-day as the Margate manager fields the strongest 11 available to him.
First half and we're getting trounced. To add insult to injury, my DL must have got bitten by that rabid goat in the play-offs as he decides to lunge into anything within 20 feet and gets himself a straight red. Then, in 1st half injury time Margate go 0-1 down.
A little re-shuffle at half-time gives us a little more possesion, but we're still being dominated. on the 68th minute, Margates first shot on target is defelected by the keeper into his own net. 1-1!! With 10 minutes to go, Margates only other shot of target also finds the back of the net and it's 2-1 to the Gate. We hold strong for the final 10 minutes and in a game controlled by Carlisle with 14 shots, 8 on target
Margate sneak though with a measly 6 shots 2 on target.
Personally I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I know I've got another tough season ahead of me. My penalty saving demon of a keeper was poached this season because he had a min release fee in his contract, and I'm now relying on my home-bred regen/tard of a keeper.
Can Margate defy the odds and avoid relegation...
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