New Margate manager Nikki Bull has wasted no time getting things done his way.

Blues made it back-to-back 1-0 victories under their rookie boss thanks to Freddie Ladapo’s second-half winner against Maidstone on Boxing Day.

And Bull said: “I saw another battling performance from my team.

“Again it wasn’t pretty at times but we defended resolutely, put our bodies on the line and got the three points.

“I think I’ve just set the team up to be hard to beat.

“We’ve got good defenders who can defend when they’re asked to defend.

“Too many times this season we’ve been far too open and allowed teams to have too many chances against us.

“In this league teams are happy to sit back and soak up pressure, then they break and expose you.”

Ladapo typified the workrate Bull demanded from his team as Margate moved three points clear of the National League South relegation zone.

The youngster, who also scored the winner in Bull’s first game in charge, had plenty to do before beating Lee Worgan.

Bull said: “That’s two games now where he’s worked really hard and got his rewards.

“He’s literally had one chance in both games and he’s scored both of them.

“I’m delighted with Freddie. I feel he’s going to be a top player and while we’ve got him, we’re lucky to have him.”

Margate face another Kent derby at Dartford on Monday (3pm), followed by the return game with Maidstone at the Gallagher on Saturday.

Blues have one of the best squads in the league on paper but Bull is looking no further ahead than keeping his team out of trouble.

They will need to be on their game at Princes Park, with Darts the form team in the division and on the verge of breaking into the top five.

Bull said: “When I was given the job we were joint-second-bottom and the table doesn’t lie at Christmas, does it?

“We’re down there for a reason, the same as Maidstone were second.

“At the end of the day the remit for me was to get us away from the foot of the table and that’s what I plan to do game by game.

“There’s no easy game in this league - you’ve got to earn the right to win games of football.

“Since I’ve been in charge the boys have put in proper hard-working, committed performances and, like I keep telling them, it’s no coincidence if you work hard you get good things.”