Margate striker Ibrahim Olutade is enjoying his first taste of working under a player-manager.

And it’s little wonder given the quality of service he gets from Blues boss Ben Greenhalgh.

The pair combined again at the weekend, with Olutade meeting Greenhalgh’s free-kick to open the scoring in their 1-1 FA Cup third qualifying round draw against Horsham at Hartsdown Park.

It was his seventh goal of the season and, although Margate lost the replay 2-0 last night, it was just their second defeat in all competitions this season.

“It’s the first time I’ve experienced a player-manager but it’s working really well,” said Olutade.

“It’s not something I’ve had before but I feel like it helps us boys on the pitch.

“Harry Hudson’s our skipper but the gaffer is also a leader out there and he tells us what to do.

“If something needs to change, we can adapt on the pitch.

“He’s got an unbelievable left foot, too, so I just try and get on the end of his crosses.”

Olutade, 26, has hit the ground running since his summer move to Margate.

He scored 17 goals for Folkestone and Leatherhead last season, with Greenhalgh a long-time admirer of the forward.

“I’m enjoying myself,” said the ex-Maidstone and Tonbridge man.

“We’ve started the season well and I just want to keep it going.

“I had a lot of interest in the summer but when I spoke to Ben and my family, it made sense to come here.

“I felt like it was best-suited for me, so I’d thought I’d come down here, try and enjoy my football and score goals.

“Everyone who knows me knows I like scoring goals.

“I need a lot more but it’s going pretty well.

“Margate’s always been a big club, ever since I’ve been playing.

“To play for them and see the history and the fans, it’s been amazing.

“Even if you’re not having the best game, the fans still get behind you.

“I’m enjoying the support we’re getting week in, week out, and long may it continue.

“It’s not easy to get fans onside when you’re a new face and they’re thinking, ‘OK, let’s see what he’s about’.

“There’s a bit of pressure but it’s been good.

“I feel like the fans are enjoying not just me but all the other boys and the gaffer and how we’re doing.”

Margate return to Isthmian South East action at Lancing on Saturday (3pm) and host Three Bridges on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Cup commitments mean they’ve played only five league games so far but they remain unbeaten in a competitive division.

“There are a lot of good teams in this league, and a lot of derbies, so it isn’t easy,” said Olutade.

“We’ve played a lot of cup games, so we haven’t managed to get a run of games going in the league, but once we do I’m sure we’ll do well.”