Margate have confirmed the signing of young Gillingham forward Toby Bancroft.

The 19-year-old third-year scholar joins Gate on loan and helps add much-needed attacking options for manager Jay Saunders.

Saunders recently spoke of his need for a striker, having had several deals fall through at the eleventh hour.

“We need to find that cutting edge and begin to hurt teams more," he said.

Bancroft started Saturday’s match for Margate in their pre-season friendly against Tonbridge Angels.

The striker had initially been let go by the Gills at the end of his two-year scholarship before manager Steve Evans had a change of heart and brought him back for another season.

He featured in first team friendlies for the Gills against Colchester United and Watford this summer.

Speaking of Bancroft's return, Evans said: "I called Toby and him, along with his parents, were absolutely delighted. He has a chance."

Last season he made a handful of appearances for Isthmian League Premier Division side Wingate & Finchley before football was halted because of coronavirus. He had previously been on loan at Ramsgate.

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