Margate 0 Gravesend & N 5

GRAVESEND & Northfleet climaxed an already memorable season by completing a league and cup double in style at Hartsdown Park yesterday.

The Ryman League, Premier Division, champions retained the BOSE sponsored Kent Senior Cup for a third season as they sank Conference club Margate with a three-goal salvo in the final eight minutes.

"It's been a fantastic season and this was the perfect way to round it off," said Fleet manager Andy Ford afterwards.

"Maybe some clubs in Kent don't believe in the Senior Cup as much as we do. But we love it and we love giving a home to what is a magnificent trophy. I thought today that the first goal would be vital and I was delighted when we scored it."

Skipper Jimmy Jackson, who afterwards received the trophy from Kent County FA chairman Barry Bright, plus the Man of the Match award, opened the scoring for the Fleet in the 33rd minute from Che Stadhart's pass.

Though a depleted Margate later missed a penalty, it was all plain sailing for the Fleet who revelled in the luxury of playing on a lush surface at this time of year.

Defender Aaron Barnett made it 2-0 in the 37th minute after substitute Justin Skinner had hooked the ball back into the goalmouth following another Stadhart cross.

Ian O'Connell headed wide a good chance early in the second half as Margate threatened a revival while Liam Hatch shot wide at the other end in the 65th minute.

Margate were offered a chance to get into the game in the 73rd minute when Hatch handled in his own penalty area. But Terry MacFlynn's penalty struck the underside of the bar and rebounded clear.

The Fleet responded by turning up the heat with three goals in the final eight minutes.

Defender Francis Duku made it 3-0 in the 83rd minute when Jay Saunders missed Skinner's cross leaving the centre-back with the simple task of ramming the ball into the roof of the net. Substitute Paul Booth made it 4-0 in the 87th minute when he waltzed through the Margate defence for a fine solo effort.

Midfielder Danny Lye rounded off the scoring in the final minute with a crisp finish after showing good close control.

Attendance: 2,018.