Margate have confirmed the departure of top scorer Elliott Buchanan.

The 27-year-old striker has joined Chelmsford City, choosing the Essex club ahead of three other Vanarama National League South rivals who were also chasing his signature.

Buchanan becomes the second player to leave Hartsdown since manager Nikki Bull was asked to reduce his playing budget.

He and fellow forward Michael Thalassitis - who joined Hemel Hempstead last week - were believed to have been the two biggest earners at the club.

With 28 goals in 34 games for Bishop's Stortford last season Buchanan was the leading marksman in Vanarama South and was regarded as one of Bull's highest profile signings in the summer.

He scored eight times for the Blues, including three in the FA Cup, one of which was their extra time winner in the third qualifying round replay at Hastings.

The Blues have said they expect defender Yado Mambo to be the next player to leave Hartsdown, with Bishop's Stortford still his most likely destination.

Adam Cash and Daniel Akindayini are both being lined-up for loan moves, with Jimmy Bullard's Leatherhead the favourites to take them, and there have also been inquiries about winger Alex Osborn, one of them from a National League club.

Gate boss Bull explained: "The phone rings all the time at the moment, which isn't surprising, and I'm constantly doing the maths trying to work out who we might be able to keep.

"Hopefully I can retain a core of six or seven, beyond that we'll looking at kids and loan deals."