Player-manager Ben Greenhalgh thinks Margate may need to show a different side to their game in the next two matches. Isthmian South East Gate, held to a goalless weekend FA Cup first qualifying round draw at home to Hayes & Yeading, are due to face Hayes & Yeading again tonight in a replay before an FA Trophy first qualifying round tie at Hanworth Villa this Saturday.
Both opponents play on grass surfaces. Ex-Dartford keeper Mark Smith, defender Ali Mansaray, also formerly at Dartford, ex-Dover and Maidstone defender Manny Parry and Sam Merson - the son of Arsenal legend Paul Merson - are among Hanworth Villa’s squad. “I know a little bit about Hanworth,” said Greenhalgh. “There’s an ex-Dartford team-mate of mine, Mark Smith, who is still there.
It’s going to be a difficult test. “We have not played on a grass pitch yet this season. But we played on them in pre-season and we have now got two games on grass.
We might have to adapt ourselves. “You cannot always play the way we have done so we might need to change our style up. “Within those four days, we could get through to the next round of the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. “It’s slightly frustrating that we have got a replay on Tuesday.