Thurrock 1 Margate 2

MARGATE came from behind against Nationwide Conference South play-off hopefuls Thurrock to claim their third win in a row.

Goals from Adrian Clarke and Che Stadhart gave Chris Kinnear’s side a deserved victory and they have now done the league double over their Essex opponents. It was their first win away from home in the league since mid-September.

A poor pitch played its part in a poor game, but Gate showed outstanding commitment throughout, especially after Jimmy McFarlane's freak header put them a goal behind against the run of play after 72 minutes.

Early on Margate were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. Thurrock’s regular keeper was injured in the warm-up and Gate should have tested his replacement George Sealey more from distance.

Moses Jjunju caused the home defence plenty of problems and he was unlucky when denied by a fine Sealey save.

Gate kept their heads up after conceding the opening goal and were immediately on level terms when Clarke drilled home the equaliser after a good move down the right flank involving Stadhrt and Rocky Baptiste.

The three points were deservedly claimed with seven minutes remaining as Stadhart scrambled a header beyond Sealey's reach for his 11th goal of the season.

KM-fm sport editor Simon Watts spoke to Gate boss Chris Kinnear after the match...