Manager Reece Prestedge wants to bring in another goalkeeper at Margate - despite an impressive opening-day display from an able teenage deputy.

Reece Hobbs was given the nod between the sticks by Gate for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Whitehawk, with Damian Niemczycki having left this month.

Prestedge said: “It was a very good debut for Reece, considering he is only 18!

“He kept us in the game. It’s nice to know our confidence in him paid off.”

But Prestedge remains in the market for an experienced keeper to bolster his squad while Hobbs learns his trade.

“We’re looking,” revealed Prestedge. “Hopefully, we get something sorted soon.

“Obviously, Reece was well aware he was coming in to be a No.2.

“He still has many years to learn but it was nice for him to take it in his stride.”

On their victory against the newly-promoted outfit, Prestedge added: “First game of the season, especially when it’s at home, you’ve got to look at getting maximum points.

“It sets you up because you’re not chasing that first win.

“If you don’t win Saturday - with two away games after - you think ‘Maybe, we could be in a sticky situation three games in.’

“So it’s nice to get off the mark.”

Player-coach Phil Roberts bagged both goals and, while he struggled to find his best form last season after arriving at Hartsdown Park, Prestedge always knew his quality would shine through.

“We always knew he would be an asset for us this year,” said Prestedge.

“Robbo can play up top, as a No.10, off the left, off the right, and he’s quite a good player to have in the changing room.”

That result came despite player-assistant Ben Greenhalgh being denied from the penalty spot by Mitch Walker, with the game goalless, after Steve Cawley had been brought down in the box by the keeper.

Prestedge admitted: “Normally, you would bank your house on Ben scoring the penalty!

“Him and Mitch Walker, their keeper, played together for a while. So, maybe Ben thought he would go the way he normally goes.

“It’s just one of those things. I’m sure the next one that Ben takes, he’ll score.”

Margate are at Concord this Saturday after they lost 4-1 at Hornchurch on Tuesday despite Greenhalgh’s goal.

Gate’s next scheduled home game against Cheshunt has been moved forward to Friday, August 25 to allow players more recovery time ahead of the Bank Holiday clash with Folkestone.