Margate skipper Sam Blackman dismissed in home 3-1 Isthmian Premier defeat to Horsham; Away matches against Hashtag United and Cheshunt next for Mark Stimson’s side

Sam Blackman was sent off in relegation-threatened Margate’s latest defeat and manager Mark Stimson has conceded he needed his skipper to take more responsibility.

With Gate 2-1 down at home to Horsham last weekend, he needlessly left fellow midfielder Charlie Hester-Cook in a heap after a heavy challenge on 81 minutes - just eight minutes after teenage substitute Vinnie Bowman had got Gate back into the game. Their numerical advantage allowed the Hornets to grab a third goal seven minutes from time.

Blackman, who’s now set to serve a three-match ban, has featured only four times since Stimson took charge in December.

Stimson said: “There’s been injuries and suspensions for Sam.

“When I took over at the club, he was on nine bookings. He got his 10th and was suspended.

“Then, he played when he came back - but did his calf. Now, he’s been back in the team and has been sent-off again.

“He has got to take more responsibility at that time of the game and in that area of the pitch.

“That’s something I cannot really affect.

“It’s a massive blow but we will have to try and get around it.”

Millwall Academy trialist Bowman was again one of few bright sparks on another tough afternoon.

The striker was a late addition to Margate’s substitutes’ bench, having been due to play in Millwall under-18s’ match - only for that to be called off - and he collected a flick-on from fellow forward Steve Cawley to calmly find the bottom corner.

“He has been on trial at Millwall,” Stimson noted. “It was (initially) for a week.

“But the previous Saturday, their game was called off. He had another week with them last week - and then that was called off. But he has got a game with them on Tuesday [yesterday].

“For his age, with what he’s doing in