Margate captain Sam Blackman returned off the bench to play in a 1-0 defeat to Haringey Borough – Mark Stimson’s side host Horsham in the Isthmian Premier Division on Saturday

Margate are boosted by the return of their captain as boss Mark Stimson feels his squad is looking better than ever.

Stimson’s side were beaten 1-0 at fellow Isthmian Premier strugglers Haringey Borough on Saturday.

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They were boosted by the return of Sam Blackman, though, who came off the bench midway through the second half.

Stimson, who enjoyed his first win as Gate boss against Canvey Island the week before, said: “Sam came back onto the bench and it was good to have him back.

“He’s been a big loss for us, he’s the captain and he makes things happen from the middle of the pitch.

“To have him back is a bonus and the squad is looking healthy at the moment.

“He played 25-30 minutes no problems. He will train this week and hopefully we get some more minutes out of him on Saturday.”

Blackman missed a month for Margate and made a brief return in mid-January, but only lasted 60 minutes.

“It’s probably the strongest the squad has looked since I have been here,” said Stimson, who included recent addition Michael Dome-Bemwin in the side last weekend.

Midfielder Dome-Bemwin includes Ashford United as a former team but he’s well-travelled, with spells in the USA, Spain, Cyprus and Sweden during his playing career.

Isthmian Premier Division table

Stimson continued: “Saturday, apart from Michael coming off the bench, was the first time in four or five that we haven’t given a debut to someone. We have a settled squad now.

“We’d like to look at the next eight games and just see what points return we get and I am sure it will be better than the previous 10, that is our aim.

“We will give everything we have got to get the points we need.

“Michael came off the bench. He had just