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Margate boss Jay Saunders says he has not been approached about vacant manager's job at Dartford

Margate boss Jay Saunders has dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Dartford.
The role at the Conference South club has been available since Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle resigned earlier this month, but Saunders says his sole focus is on Margate.

Speaking after Saturday's excellent 3-1 FA Cup second qualifying round win over Concord Rangers, the 40-year-old former Maidstone boss said: "I think everyone's being linked with the Dartford job aren't they?

Margate manager Jay Saunders
Margate manager Jay Saunders

"I'm sort of just getting on with my job here and that's how I've always worked. It was the same at Maidstone.

"I've not heard anything so that's all I can say on that.

"I'm sure it's a job which will interest a lot of people but my focus has been on Margate, as you can see, getting players in this week and getting a win and it will continue to be that until I'm told by Margate that I'm going somewhere else."

Saunders was delighted with Saturday's victory over Concord, particularly as his side were again beset by injuries.

Three of the goals came in the opening seven minutes at Hartsdown with Aron Pollock heading Concord in front from a corner after three.

Noel Leighton immediately brought the Blues level with Elliott Reeves then teeing up Adem Ramadan to fire them ahead.

Reeves also had a hand in the third, scored by substitute Jack Richards with just two minutes remaining.

Former Ilkeston striker Reeves joined the Blues earlier this month after a job move took him to Sandwich and Saunders has been impressed.

The Gate boss said: "He's a bright lad, he wasn't fit when he first came in but he's getting better every game.

"He's a great lad and he's fitted in well with the team. Someone I knew basically said he was moving into the area and tipped me off.

"I got him in training, had a good chat with him and I'm really pleased.

"He gives us something different, which we probably didn't have with his movement and his pace."

Of the win itself Saunders added: "I was disappointed with the goals we conceded but I kind of half expected it, they're not a bad side going forward, I knew they were going to ask questions of us.

"I thought once we got them in at half-time, and spoke to them a bit, we tightened up and defended well when they had quite a bit of possession.

"First half we didn't, we were squeezing out and leaving men and we were a bit all over the place but at half-time we had a good chat with them and second half we dealt with it a lot better.

"On the flip side, on the break I always thought we looked dangerous.

"I've said it before and I keep saying to to the lads if we can keep clean sheets we've got players who can score goals and it showed today."

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