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Player-boss Ben Greenhalgh has praised the commitment Margate’s Gillingham loanee Josh Bayliss showed to the club on his debut.
Bayliss came through an hour as Gate’s 15-match Isthmian South East unbeaten run came to an end with Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Sevenoaks, which was also Margate’s first league loss at Hartsdown Park all campaign.
Young Gillingham striker Bayliss - the son of former Gate chairman Alistair Bayliss, also the owner of coach company Bayliss Executive Travel - has linked up with Greenhalgh’s side on an initial 28-day deal.
“I have always known of Alistair and the coach company,” said one-time Inter Milan playmaker Greenhalgh, who has had plenty of loan spells throughout his career himself.
“I think we have always used them during my time here - and I know how heavily involved he was at Margate before. We had a little chat before the game on Saturday and it feels right to get Josh on board.
“I think he showed a lot of heart and spirit and, with the way he played, he showed he cares. That’s hard for a loan player to do.
“I’ve gone on loan from a couple of bigger clubs before and just focused on myself. It’s very difficult, sometimes, for a loan player to show that sort of care for the club.
“But I think Josh has got that a little bit.”
Bayliss was thrust into Gate’s starting line-up against Sevenoaks at short notice after winger Gabriel Duo (Achilles) pulled out in the moments ahead of kick-off.
Greenhalgh said: “Josh showed a really good bit of quality in the warm-up.
“I feel a bit sorry for him because we weren’t able to train on Thursday due to the ice so we couldn’t really filter him in, but we gave a lot of information before the game.
“He understood it and actually played his role really well. The harsh reality was other players weren’t at it and that made it harder.
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“I felt sorry for him but he did well and showed a lot of quality. But sometimes when you’re a young lad, coming into a team that is used to winning, seeing the reaction of everyone to losing is a good thing to experience.
“We’re going to look after him and try to give him as much football as possible.”
Bayliss had a similar loan stint last term, turning out for Ashford.
Greenhalgh said: “I think he needs the games.
“He’s had an injury and that’s why we took him off on Saturday because we didn’t want to kill him by trying to get him through 90 minutes in his first game with us and, suddenly, he gets injured. So, we looked after him and we’ll carry on looking after him.
“I know he’s local so we’re really happy to get him on board.”
Gate were hoping to find out the full extent of Duo’s injury while midfielder Brandon Davey continues to struggle with illness, as Greenhalgh ponders bolstering his squad further.
“The way Gabs reacted and the noise, [it seems bad], but our fingers are crossed that it’s nothing too serious,” he explained, speaking straight after the Sevenoaks defeat.
“Our physio, who has been brilliant for us this season, explained there is a possibility it might be something else.
"But the signs are pointing towards him needing a scan and seeing what happens. Our fingers are crossed for Gabs.
“He’s a brilliant player and he’ll come out the other end of this, no matter what. He’s an athlete.
“He’s got the right mentality but, obviously, we’ll try and help to guide him through it if it is a negative outcome.”
A crowd of 418 braved the elements in Thanet as Gate were beaten by Sevenoaks despite substitute Jordan Ababio’s stoppage-time consolation.
On their crowds this term, Greenhalgh noted: “It’s improved a lot from last season and our general style of football - and the results - have improved.
"Saturday was a negative and I think we deserve a bit of stick.
“But I’m sure they’ll all get behind us and support us again.”
Margate's scheduled midweek top-three home match against Sittingbourne was postponed “due to electrical issues”, albeit Brickies manager Ryan Maxwell has, instead, it was called off due to the hosts having 13 available players.
They are due to visit second-bottom Hythe on Saturday.