Margate manager Mark Stimson says a lack of regular training time key factor behind club’s Isthmian Premier struggles this season with survival hopes decreasing

Boss Mark Stimson believes a lack of regular training time is a key factor behind Margate’s struggles this season.

Gate’s hopes of avoiding Isthmian Premier relegation appear slim after they were edged out 1-0 by champions Hornchurch last Saturday - less than 48 hours on from a 3-2 comeback win against Potters Bar.

With just two matches to go this term, they are three points behind Cheshunt, who have a game in hand, and Gate have an inferior goal difference.

Stimson said: “You just look at the league, one above us - that’s Cheshunt - and one below us - that’s Concord. They were both in National League South last season.

“We only train 50% of the time. We train once a week, they train twice a week.

“If a Premier League side trained four days a week and another one twice a week, what do you think would happen there?”

So, why didn’t Stimson change things when he took charge?

He explained: “Facilities weren’t available.

“Players have signed at the club before I got there on deals that they would train once a week.

“I took over around Christmas time and there’s lots of functions on, so it wasn’t possible.

“But it’s no surprise we’re in the bottom-half of the league.

“Training twice a week, you do some fitness work on the Tuesday and some tactical work on the Thursday. But we just have the Thursday.”

Margate had been 2-0 down against Potters Bar at Haringey, only to turn it around in 10 minutes. Top scorer Steve Cawley converted a penalty, substitute Destiny Oladipo levelled and then Ben Greenhalgh won it in the 88th minute.

They failed to back that win up at Hartsdown Park, though, Sean Scannell getting the goal in front of a crowd of 499.

Stimson’s side host play-off occupants Wingate & Finchley this Saturday and end their