Margate are now three points off top spot in the Ryman League Premier Division after losing 2-1 at home to third-placed Dulwich Hamlet.

Despite an early effort from new Gate signing Freddie Ladapo that flew just wide, it was the visitors who started on top and opened the scoring in the 20th minute.

Ashley Carew reached the byline before squaring to Nyren Clunis who slid in to score from a yard out.

A minute later it was almost two, but Gate keeper Nikki Bull produced a fine one-handed save to deny a curling Carew free-kick.

Bull was called into action again six minutes later to deny Xavier Vidal after thewinger cut in from the left and fired in an effort.

However, against the run of play Margate levelled things up when Ryan Moss headed home a Kane Wills cross from the right on the half-hour mark.

The goal gave the home side a lift and only a brilliant double save from Dulwich keeper Phil Wilson denied Lewis Taylor and then Charlie Allen from putting Gate in front.

The final chance of the half also went to Gate. Goalscorer Ryan Moss seeing his effort saved by Wilson.

Dulwich got back in front 11 minutes after the restart, Ethan Pinnock heading home a Carew free-kick past Bull.

Ladapo almost fired Gate level five minutes later, but his effort was well saved by Wilson at his near post.

Vidal went close to extending Hamlet's lead but his effort flew over, while at the other end Moss headed wide from a Sam Rents free-kick.

With 10 minutes left, another new Gate signing, Ben Gerring almost made an immediate impact a minute after coming off the bench, but his header went well wide.

Gate continued to push and in the 93rd minute Lewis Taylor twice went close to levelling the scores. His first effort was tipped wide, and from the resulting corner he volleyed past the post with what was to be their final chance.