Ben makes things just Wright for Borough

In a tight game Ben Wright’s 77th-minute goal proved the difference between the two teams.

After their disappointing FA Cup exit at Weymouth and three league games without a win it was just the tonic Borough needed.

Alex Pike felt the result was crucial in rebuilding Borough’s confidence.

‘After the 10 days we have had, it was important we got back to winning ways,’ said Pike.

‘I felt once again we found ourselves at a crossroads.

‘It was the result that was paramount and now we need to build on that.

‘It puts a very important building block into our fragile confidence which has taken a knock recently.

‘This should provide the cornerstone for rebuilding our confidence.

‘We are quite capable of going 15 to 20 games unbeaten and that is what we must aim for.

‘This is where managers come alive and get paid the corn for doing what they do.

‘We analysed it, saw there were some problems and in this game you have to be a problem solver.

‘Apart from one or two things I wasn’t too happy with in the second half, I thought the changes we made paid off.

‘Probably the most pleasing thing for me is our clean sheet after the way in which we have been leaking goals.

‘If we can keep it tight at the back I always feel that we have goals in us.’

Pike dropped three of his most experienced players, Sam Pearce, Mike Carter and leading goalscorer Warren Bentley.

Defender Brett Poate returned from injury.

And up front Pike paired Wright with 20-year-old Ollie Bailey, who caught the eye with his pace and energy.

Margate struggled to contain him but Borough were unable to exploit his openings and turn them into goals.

Pike was delighted his gamble to play the youngster paid off.

‘I thought the way Ollie Bailey ran the channels and got in behind them was terrific,’ said Pike.

‘Although he didn’t score he did everything that was asked of him.’

Both teams had chances and Borough were fortunate when Michael Thassilitis fired against the upright and the rebound was scrambled away.

Gosport took charge in the second period, only for Wright to miss a sitter.

Substitute Bentley set him up with a clear chance but he couldn’t take it.

Wright, however, made up for it 30 minutes from time when he turned the ball in after substitute Bentley and Dawson had efforts blocked.

Gosport Borough: Rice, Cuthbertson, Bird, Dawson, Poate, Oastler, Carmichael, Harding, Bailey (Bentley 65mins), Wright, Wooden

Att: 447