Striker Joe Taylor’s brace was not enough to earn victory for Ramsgate, who were held to an Isthmian South East home draw against Burgess Hill on Saturday.

After the Hillians had raced into a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes, Taylor netted in the first half and from the penalty spot after the break.

That took the Rams captain’s tally to a remarkable 18 goals for the campaign already but Ben Smith’s side had to settle for a 2-2 draw in front of a crowd of 914 at Southwood.

They are seven points behind Isthmian South East frontrunners Beckenham, who were 4-1 victors at home to Deal, but have five league fixtures in hand on them.

Louie Theophanous put Beckenham ahead and, although midfielder Ben Chapman equalised for Steve King’s side, experienced forward Theophanous struck again with 16 minutes to go before Akheem Belford and Jack Holland netted in the next 10 minutes to put some gloss on things.

Third-placed Sheppey saw off hosts Herne Bay 4-0.

Skipper Danny Leonard was the first player to beat Bay debutant goalkeeper Sam Freeman and Ernie Batten’s Ites were 2-0 in front midway through the first period as midfielder James Taylor scored.

After the restart, winger Gil Carvalho converted a penalty on his Winch’s Field return in front of a 541-strong crowd and striker Dan Bradshaw came off the substitutes’ bench to get Sheppey’s fourth.

Sheppey are level on points with fellow play-off occupants Margate - having played a league match less - as they cruised to a 4-0 victory at home to Eastbourne Town.

Top scorer Ibrahim Olutade and winger Jordan Ababio struck either side of half-time to put Ben Greenhalgh’s troops in command in front of a crowd of 492 at Hartsdown Park.

The player-manager then netted himself in the latter stages of normal time and midfielder Ben Allen sealed the win with a goal off the substitutes’ bench on his Margate debut.

Ellis Brown inspired Hythe to a much-needed 3-0 home win over Lancing with a dream debut.

Maidstone loanee Riley Court put Nick Davis’ team ahead at Reachfields in the seventh minute before winger Brown - recently released by neighbours Folkestone - scored twice.

Hythe’s victory ended a five-match losing streak in all competitions and a run that had extended to September 10 since their last win inside 90 minutes.

Ollie Milton got the game’s only goal early on as Erith Town edged to victory at home to Broadbridge Heath.

Isthmian South East basement boys Phoenix Sports remain without a league win this term, having been thrashed 5-0 at Merstham.

First-half goals from right-back Kevin Diomande, winger Rodney Eruotor and striker Warren Mfula ensured Sevenoaks secured a 3-0 success at Steyning Town Community.

Second-bottom Isthmian Premier outfit Cray Wanderers won 1-0 at Cheshunt thanks to midfielder Charlie Edwards’ second-half strike.