Margate boss Reece Prestedge sees his side push Isthmian Premier leaders Bishop's Stortford all the way

Manager Reece Prestedge was encouraged by Margate’s performance against Isthmian Premier leaders Bishop’s Stortford.

Gate gave a good account of themselves in a 1-0 defeat at Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

A goal was the only thing lacking in a bright display which showed 16th-placed Gate can compete with the top sides.

“We were really unfortunate not to come away with anything,” said Prestedge.

“I said to the players before the game there’s no pressure on us, no one expects us to win anyway, and we’ve gone out there and competed with the league leaders.

“We’ve got to be pleased with our performance from where we were four or five weeks ago.”

Margate, who go to Herne Bay tonight, started well against Stortford, the club where Prestedge made his name as a player.

The leaders grew into it, scoring shortly before the break through Chris Harris, and managed to hold on in the second half.

Prestedge said: “We looked good in the first 10 or 15 minutes - we were on top, I would say - and then the game switched and we struggled for a while.

“They had more of the ball, they were moving it around well and they were dominant for a good 30 minutes.

“Second half, it was pretty even game. We competed well and had the better chances.”

Prestedge has lifted morale at Hartsdown Park since taking the reins, initially in a caretaker capacity alongside Ben Greenhalgh.

The squad are in a good place going into the game at relegation battlers Herne Bay.

That's followed by play-off contenders Carshalton at home on Saturday, a side managed by ex-Gate player-coach Steve McKimm.

“We’ve got a good changing room, team spirit is high,” said Prestedge.

“Everyone’s fighting for each other and you need that. A good changing room is worth 12 to 15 points a