Terry Brown admits Margate’s introduction to life in Vanarama National South is a testing one.

Less than three months since securing promotion, courtesy of their 1-0 Ryman League play-off final victory over Hendon at Harrow in mid-May, Gate open their new campaign at home to Truro City on Saturday, before facing trips to Whitehawk and Havant & Waterlooville.

Manager Brown said: “We need points on the board against Truro, because both away games are against clubs who both figured in last season’s play-offs.”

Brown added: “It is a step-up in quality for us, but I feel we have done well in bringing in the players who we had on our shopping list.

“We were very cavalier and entertaining going forward last season, but weren’t good enough defensively.

“We have strengthened to make ourselves more resolute and give us more steel at the back.”

“Jake Goodman is a fantastic capture, who I believe can become the best centre- half in non-league football.

“David Hunt brings great experience, Glen Wilson can play at centre-half or right-back, and Nathan Green has energy to burn.”

Brown was also pleased to see another new-boy, Christian Jolley, get off the mark in the 3-1 win over Wolves under-21s at Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

Brett Johnson, and Lewis Taylor also netted in the victory in front of a crowd of just under 500, as Gate completed an unbeaten build-up.

Brown said: “We don’t read too much into the results, but the boys have gelled together well.”
“We looked very solid against a talented Wolves side, with their goal a real worldy.”

Striker Freddie Ladapo will miss the start of the season with a medial knee ligament problem that has sidelined him for the last fortnight, while defender Charlie Wassmer is nursing a hip problem, picked up in training.