Margate 1 Gravesend & N 3

GRAVESEND & Northfleet grabbed a vital win in the first game of their festive double header with Kent rivals Margate .

Despite falling behind to a sloppy goal after just 12 minutes, Fleet put in a display that was well worth all three points.

The visitors had started the game strongly but were hit by a sucker punch when Margate keeper Phil Smith launched the ball downfield to Darren Watson, who broke free to score.

Fleet kept their composure, though, and continued to play the better football of the two sides.

Worries began to grow that Andy Ford's men may be in for one of those days when both Rob Haworth and Francis Duku missed with close range headers. But the visitors finally drew level in first half stoppage time when Chris Moore connected with a Lee Protheroe corner to score.

The goal filled Gravesend with confidence and they went on to produce a sparkling performance in the second half.

Protheroe created his second goal of the match six minutes after the break when he looped in a long crossfield ball that allowed Haworth to head home.

Once Gravesend had taken the lead the result never seemed in doubt and it was only a matter of time before they extended their lead.

Ben Abbey collected the ball from loose play on 58 minutes and beat Smith with an exquisite lob from 30 yards out.

Abbey should have had a second later on but was denied by a fine save from Smith and Steve McKimm rattled the crossbar.

Any faint hopes the home side had of a comeback were extinguished completely when defender Sam Sodje was sent off for an altercation with McKimm.

The only negative to come out of the match for Fleet, though, was a rib injury suffered by Ben Walshe in the first half which will keep him out of the return match on New Year's Day.

Manager Andy Ford said: "It was an important win and the good thing is we played really well. We could have had more goals. When we went behind to a sloppy goal and missed a few chances, I did start worrying, but as soon as we got the equaliser we always looked like winning."

The two teams meet again at Stonebridge Road on New Year's Day.