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Manager Marcel Nimani described some of Sevenoaks’ play in possession as “breathtaking” during their victory at Margate on Saturday.
With most of the scheduled Isthmian South East weekend fixtures falling victim to the weather, Oaks moved into the top 10 with a well-deserved 2-1 win at Hartsdown Park on a cold and foggy afternoon.
It was a result which ended third-placed Gate’s 15-game unbeaten league run - and was their first league home loss this term - while it’s now three victories from three for Sevenoaks since the turn of the year.
“I felt it was a very pleasing performance,” said Nimani. “We managed to get hold of a few of their games so, tactically, we prepared really well.
“I’m really proud of how the boys executed the tactics. Our shape off the ball was superb and then I felt, with our patterns in possession today, that these sort of pitches would really suit us - and we really took advantage of the size of the pitch and their 3G.
“In possession, we were breathtaking at times.”
Oaks’ efforts at Margate came from 17-goal top scorer Jefferson Aibangbee on his return to the team and striker Warren Mfula, who isn’t far behind on 15 goals for the campaign, but only after a goalless first period which they had also enjoyed the better of.
Nimani said: “Although I was very proud, I was frustrated throughout the game in terms of our execution. I was frustrated with some of our decisions.
“Today could have been a completely different scoreline in the sense of being an eye-catching scoreline.”
Nimani had spoken to his troops before the winter period about the challenges that the spell would present - and is pleased to see his team coming up with the goods.
“We have been very adaptable,” he said. “I have spoken a lot to the boys about the winter period and the challenges that come along with it.
“But so far, we’ve adjusted well to them in this league.”
Sevenoaks’ three-match winning streak has come following a 2-0 defeat at play-off occupants Burgess Hill on December 28, in which both home goals came in the first period.
On their victorious start to 2025, Nimani noted: “That’s a real credit to the boys.
“There’s been a really good bounce back from the Burgess Hill first-half performance. I think we all took it personally and there was a lot to address after that Burgess Hill performance.
“There has been a lot of changes since then and the reaction, so far, has been good.”
Oaks will host Ashford United, who suffered a 3-2 weekend home loss to Three Bridges, in the league next Saturday.