Margate 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

A GOAL in the first two minutes by experienced striker Mark Stein sealed all three points for the visitors at Crabble last night.

The former Chelsea hitman gave Margate keeper Charlie Mitten no chance from close range after latching on to a knock down header from Steve Perkins from a free kick conceded by John Keister 30 yards out.

Margate seemed unable to settle after this early setback and Dagenham enjoyed plenty of possession with midfielder Paul Terry commanding the flow of play.

Margate's first clear chance didn't come until 25 minutes when Leon Braithwaite fired over the bar after being put through by Steve Watts.

Braithwaite was unlucky not to get on the score sheet just before half time when he saw his shot saved from keeper Tony Roberts, who also pulled off a fingertip save from Keister with the last attack of the half.

Margate manager Chris Kinnear threw on Phil Collins up front for the last 20 minutes alongside Watts and Braithwaite.

The bustling striker carved out opportunities for both his fellow strikers but poor finishing from Braithwaite and yet another fine save from Roberts, to deny Watts, provided the travelling supporters a happy trip home.