Joint boss Mike Sandmann says there is no way Margate will under-estimate struggling Burgess Hill at Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

The Sussex visitors prop up Bostik Premier but since losing 8-0 at Bognor Regis on October 2, they have only lost twice in seven league and cup matches.

The Gate bowed out of the FA Trophy on Saturday, beaten 2-1 at home by league rivals Potters Bar, and Sandmann wants to see a response on their return to league action.

He said: “Saturday was a setback, and we need to bounce back on Saturday.

“You can’t take anything for granted in this league because no three points are ever given to you.

"They've picked up some good results lately and have stopped conceding goals since the temporary management team (Simon Wormull and John Rattle) were put in place.

"It will be a tough game but our league form has been good (the Gate are unbeaten in four Bostik matches) so we'll be looking to try and get the three points."

Sandmann admitted he was left deflated by the Trophy defeat, feeling his side left themselves with too much to do after gong 2-0 down inside 15 minutes.

Both goals were scored by Bradley Sach and followed handling errors by Henry Newcombe, but Sandmann said no-one was pointing the finger at the young keeper afterwards.

He added: "We were disappointed with the manner in which we conceded the two goals, both were individual errors but there was no blame game.

"Henry's been excellent since he arrived here. The mistakes cost us but he came into the dressing room and held his hands up and that showed his character. Like a lot of the boys he's still young and he'll learn from this."

Seven of Margate's starting line-up against Potters Bar were aged 22 or under, with six of the seven having not played at this level before this season.

With several of his more experienced players out with long-term injuries Sandmann says he has no option but to continue juggling the resources he's got.

He explained: "We can't bring anyone else in, we're at full capacity in that respect but we've been really pleased with our young players, they've been excellent."

Margate have confirmed that defender Tom Wynter's Achilles injury does mean he will miss the rest of the season while James Rogers is still awaiting a date for his knee operation.

Tom Mills is available this weekend after serving his one-game ban. Jordy Robins filled in at left-back against Potters Bar.