Margate manager Mark Stimson says ‘it’s roll-your-sleeves up time’ for relegation-threatened players ahead of weekend Isthmian Premier trip to Whitehawk

Boss Mark Stimson believes relegation-threatened Margate’s weekend trip will be a test of his players’ mettle.

Stimson will again seek his first win since taking charge of Gate last month at mid-table Whitehawk this Saturday.

Margate are only two points clear of the bottom four after their New Year’s Day 2-0 home derby defeat to Folkestone and haven’t won since November 4.

After Whitehawk, Margate will return to Hartsdown Park for matches against basement boys Concord on Saturday, January 13, and Bognor seven days later.

“They’re tough games but games we should be looking forward to,” said Stimson.

“Whitehawk, I love going there. It’s an old-fashioned ground where there’s a lot of mud being thrown around.

“It’s roll-your-sleeves up time and that’s where you see if you have got enough characters.”

Report: Margate 0-2 Folkestone

Boss Stimson praises Gate fans

Asked if he felt Gate possessed enough characters in their squad, he replied: “We will soon find out.”

Margate - whose scheduled trip to Cheshunt last Friday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch - failed to net in either of their matches over the festive period.

They were without suspended skipper Sam Blackman and young midfielder Olly Box, who was recalled by parent club Dartford but ended up not featuring for them.

Stimson said: “Unfortunately, the last two games we have not had Sam Blackman, our captain, and he’s a big miss.

“Also, little Olly Box, who we have had on loan from Dartford, got taken back. They had him as a (unused) substitute and then, the next game, they didn’t even use him.

“So, we will be trying our hardest to get him back into the group.

“I think those two players bring creativity. That’s what we have lacked - probably against