Mike Sandmann says there is a 'really good feel' about' the Margate dressing room ahead of the new Bostik Premier campaign.

The Gate continued their pre-season -up with a 5-0 win over Canterbury City at Hartsdown Park on Friday.

The Southern Counties East League side stepped-in after the Gate's original opponents, Great Wakering Rovers, pulled out following a change in management.

Margate's scorers were Alex Brown, Frannie Collin, Jack Paxman, new signing Kofi Boateng and Joe Taylor, and joint boss Sandmann was pleased with the workout.

Speaking to the club's website he said: “I’d like to thank Canterbury City for stepping in last minute to play us. With the season drawing closer and closer, it was important players continued to get minutes of game time under their belt.

“The boys have worked really hard both on the training ground and away from it and I think tonight you could see the progress. The fitness and sharpness is building and we needed another run out to asses where we are at.

"We had a really good test against a strong Ashford side on Tuesday night (the Gate won 1-0) and this evening was another kind of challenge which the team dealt with well.

Much of the game was played out against a backdrop of thunder and lightning and Sandmann was pleased with how his players stuck to their task.

He added: “I think the second half is testament to the fitness the boys are working towards. They worked hard, dominated possession for long periods and put into practice the things Browny (joint boss Steve Brown) and I asked of them at the break and a number of them got on the scoresheet as a result.

“It’s good to see goals coming from across the team. We created plenty of chances throughout the game. Defensively, I thought we did well and with that foundation we were able to manufacture more opportunities which the boys took.

“One thing this team has got already is bundles of spirit. They work hard for each other and there’s a really good feel around the dressing room. Browny and I want to foster that environment and hopefully the displays will continue to improve.”

Boateng – a former member of Norwich City’s academy – was one of two new faces added to the Gate squad last week.

The other was midfielder Chris Barnard who has joined on a dual registration from National League side, Dover Athletic.

Sandmann previously coached Barnard at Dover's academy and said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Chris again. He’s another young player who has shown great promise which has merited a deal with a club like Dover.

“I think we can offer him a really exciting opportunity to gain experience, improve upon his game.”

He added: “In a similar vein to Chris, Kofi is a very talented, young footballer. He possesses plenty of natural talent and skill.

“He’s strong, athletic and with some more minutes and first team training under his belt, will be sharp and ready to offer something different to our midfield options.”

Margate host Thamesmead Town on Tuesday before completing their pre-season campaign at home to Thanet rivals Ramsgate at Hartsdown Park (3pm).

The Gate will travel to Hythe in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday, August 21.