Margate's Ryman League Premier Division season got off to a depressing start as they were beaten 4-0 at Sutton United on Saturday.

Stefan Payne did the bulk of the damage for the hosts with a hat-trick and Sam Gargan grabbed the other goal.

Payne opened the scoring in the 14th minute from close range before Gargan doubled the lead 11 minutes before the break with a direct free-kick, given somewhat controversially for a foul by Wayne Wilson.

Already 2-0 down, Gate's task got even tougher in the 35th minute when Aaron Lacey was sent off for dissent after complaining that a penalty was not given for an apparent handball.

Payne got his second and Sutton's third on 55 minutes when he raced clear from just inside the Margate half and calmly lobbed keeper Stuart Robinson.

He then completed his treble from the penalty spot on the hour mark after Ben Lewis had handled.

Lloyd Blackman twice went close to a consolation for the visitors but both times he was off target with his efforts.

Liam Quinn’s 76 minute goal enabled relegated Ramsgate to start life in Ryman League Division 1 South with a 1-0 home win over Fleet Town.

Quinn struck with a 25-yard drive that gave Fleet goalkeeper Dave Smalley no chance. Rams’ substitute Gary Mickleborough should have increased his team’s lead in the 69 minute when he should have done better with a close-range header.

Rams finished the match with 10-men after Sam Jones was dismissed following a clash with the home team’s Ty Smith who also received his marching orders. Fleet were reduced to nine players in the final minute when Tom Bird was ordered off for a second caution.