Focus firmly on Isthmian Premier matters for Margate boss Reece Prestedge ahead of Kent derby against Chatham Town at Hartsdown Park

The focus is firmly on league matters for Margate manager Reece Prestedge.

Isthmian Premier Gate have endured mixed fortunes in the first two months of the season and are on a four-match losing streak ahead of their home Kent derby against Chatham tonight (7.45pm).

Only one of those four defeats has come in the league, though, with Margate playing at Hartsdown Park just four times in total across August and September.

But they also host Hashtag United this Saturday and manager-less Hastings on Tuesday in a much-needed run of home league fixtures.

“No one wants to go out of the cup in the earlier stages,” said Prestedge, who had seen his side go out in the Third Qualifying Round of both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.

“But in the FA Cup, we went one step further than we had for five or six years. Unfortunately, it (their FA Cup exit) came as part of a run of four games lost in a row.

“Now, it’s bread and butter time. We need to set standards and put in some all-round performances. We’ve also had 13 games and only played four at home. That’s difficult.

“It’s not an excuse, of course, but it’s difficult to get momentum when you’re not really at home.”

Gate have had a 10-day break from competitive action between their 1-0 FA Trophy defeat at Harrow and their midweek encounter with Chatham.

Prestedge noted: “There’s pros and cons to it.

“It’s a good chance to have the new players gelling with the squad.”

Among the new players in Margate’s ranks is midfielder Rohdell Gordon - who started out at Stevenage - and made his Gate bow in their Trophy loss.

“Rohdell was excellent,” Prestedge said. “He did exactly what we thought he would do.

“He was calm in possession and looked to get into the box.”

On the fitness front, there is also