Goal mouth action from Saturday's Kent derby between Margate and Maidstone United at Hartsdown Park. Picture: Paul Amos.

Maidstone took the honours and gained revenge for a Boxing Day home defeat, with a 1-0 win over Margate.

On a bitterly cold afternoon at Hartsdown Park, neither side managed to come to terms with the conditions. A first half of few talking points and chances finished rather unsurprisingly goalless.

But the travelling supporters who did brave the freezing conditions were rewarded for their patience on 68 minutes when Stones striker Danny Hockton broke the deadlock.

Margate keeper Matt Reed was at fault as he failed to hang on to a Nick Barnes corner. Reed dropped the ball at the Hockton's feet, who showed a striker's instinct to finish inside the six yard box.

Stones midfielder James Peacock was then given his marching orders for a second yellow card, kicking the ball away after a free kick was given against him.

Despite the man advantage, Margate couldn't find a way through the Stones defence and the result was warmly welcomed by joint manager Lloyd Hume.

He said: "I think we got what we deserved out of today's performance, just like Margate did on Boxing Day. It's been a mixed festive period for us, but I think we can say this is a great start to 2010.

"Danny's proven his worth today with that finish and I thought James Pinnock put in a great performance alongside him up front too."

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Tonbridge were comprehensively beaten on the road at Hastings United, as the second-placed side kept up their pursuit of leaders Dartford with a thumping 5-1 win.

Michael Phillips netted twice for the hosts, whose other goals came from Russell Eldridge, Sean Ray and Sam Adams.

Substitute Jamie Cade grabbed the Angels' only consolation on 75 minutes to make it 3-1, but the home side scored twice more in the closing five minutes.