Margate 1 Northwich 2

MARGATE suffered at the hands of Northwich at Hartsdown but remain third in the Nationwide Conference. The home side missed several chances in a fine opening half an hour, but lost their way towards the end of the first half.

They also stuggled in the first 20 minutes of the second period and Northwich made them pay by striking twice. The first came from player-manager Jimmy Quinn on 51 minutes, volleying home a cross from the right and then Greg Blundell struck in the 65th minute when he pounced on Quinn's mis-hit overhead kick.

John Boardman, on loan from Crystal Palace, thumped home a 25-yarder three minutes later, but Margate could not find the equaliser, Phil Collins missing the best chance when he headed over form close range.