Dorchester 2 Margate 0

TWO goals in the space of ten minutes by home striker Matt Groves condemned Margate to their first away defeat of the season at The Avenue Stadium on Saturday.

Chris Kinnear's team still finding their feet after a traumatic close season, culminating in their demotion from the top flight of the Nationwide Conference, created plenty of chances, but couldn't find a way past goalkeeper Craig Bradshaw.

Bradshaw had a far busier afternoon than Gate's Scott Ward at the other end, but Dorchester prospered from their Route One approach, and both goals in the 71st and 81st minute came in similar fashion.

Kinnear admitted: "We are missing the players we lost during the summer for their experience and strength. All three sides that we have played so far have had settled sides for a year, ready for Nationwide South.

"We are still mixing and matching, and I know we still have lot of work to do."

Former Whitstable youngster Mark Robinson caught the eye for the home side, and was a constant worry for Margate defenders, especially Greg Oates. Robinson's display earned him the man of the match award, and apart from his trickery also created problems with his corners.

Dorchester hit the base of Ward's post as early as the 14th minute, and then lanky home target man Jamie Brown headed wide.

Margate's first real chance in the game came on the half hour when Peter Benevides fired just wide from 25 yards, and then Bradshaw earned a yellow card from Swindon referee Bob Desmond when he brought down Che Stadhart, as the Margate striker attempted to go round him. Oates sent his resulting fre kick just the wrong side of the Dorchester post.

Stadhart was in the action again on the hour mark, but although his shot beat Bradshaw, Dorchester defender Alex Browne got back to clear off the line.

Then at the other end, Margate were given due warning about Dorchester's long ball tactics. Billy Edwards and Aaron Barnett got in a mix-up, but Ward came off his line to clear the danger.

Nine minutes later though Dorchester took the lead. Another long-punt downfield saw Edwards and Barnett go for the same ball with Brown. The ball fell into the patch of Groves who fired past Ward.

Dorchester added the second when Margate were again caught out at the back from another long clearance and Groves pounced to put the result beyond doubt.

Edwards limped off late in the game, and could be a doubt for the 'home' game against Grays Athletic at Ashford on Tuesday night (kick off 7.45).

MARGATE: Ward, Barnett, Annon, Edwards (Junju 88), Oates, Keister (Gradley 58) Benevides (Charalambous 61), Clarke, Green, Stadhart, Baptiste.