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Margate striker Frannie Collin reveals the part played by Dave Martin in his stunning free-kick against Burgess Hill

Frannie Collin scored one of Margate's goals of the season against Burgess Hill on Saturday but afterwards the striker was keen to share the credit with one of his team-mates.

Collin admitted it was winger Dave Martin who suggested he had a pop at goal when the Blues were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out after 16 minutes.

Most people, including Margate boss Steve Watt, expected Collin to deliver a cross, and the 30-year-old admitted he fully intended to until Martin came across to have a word in his ear.

Frannie Collin, second left, is congratulated by team-mates after his stunning free-kick against Burgess Hill Picture: Don Walker
Frannie Collin, second left, is congratulated by team-mates after his stunning free-kick against Burgess Hill Picture: Don Walker

He explained: "To be honest I was going to cross it, we were set up for the cross but then Dave popped over and said the keeper was very far across his goal so I've got to give him a bit of credit because I would have put a cross in otherwise.

"I just fancied that if I got it right, and put enough pace on it he's not going to be able to get there and luckily enough it worked."

With barely any backlift Collin struck a superb shot with pace and curl which flew into the top corner giving Hill keeper Tony Di Bernardo no chance.

Top scorer Jordan Chiedozie's heavily deflected effort, 12 minutes later sealed the Gate's 2-0 win, their seventh in a row, making it 11 games unbeaten in total.

Collin added: "I was only a few steps back because I was set up to cross it and it was only literally Dave, at the last minute, who made me change my mind.

"They are something I work on (free-kicks) but to be fair I've only had one or two so far this season.

"I've just not been the best with them to be honest so it was nice to get back on the scoresheet and nice to get another free-kick.

"Dave and Jack Evans, when he plays, like to get involved (on set pieces) but I'd like to think that's earned me a few now."

Former Tonbridge and Maidstone hitman Collin has been employed in a slightly different role of late, playing just behind the front two, and he says he is relishing the chance to get on the ball more.

He explained: "It's a new role for me playing deeper, but I don't mind it, I'm a lot more involved in the game.

"Maybe the opportunity to get on the sheet is not as frequent but I'm involved in the game a lot more and as you get on a little bit the legs do unfortunately start to go.

"I'm enjoying getting on the ball, I'm enjoying the way we play, we do play some good stuff and the run we're on at the minute we're absolutely flying."

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