Margate are in the market for replacements after the departure of two players for teams higher up for football pyramid.

Goalkeeper Bailey Vose has joined National League South side Billericay Town a year after joining Margate following his release by Colchester United. Youngster Archie Burnett has signed for Bromley.

Margate confirmed the departures on Monday, with boss Jay Saunders telling the club media: “It’s always disappointing to see players depart as you’re preparing for a new season.

“Bailey made us aware of his decision to leave on Monday afternoon and it is a decision we respect despite being bitterly disappointed to lose a key asset to our plans.”

Burnett, a product of Margate’s youth set-up, trained with a Championship club back in March and has continued to attract interest.

He has now joined National League side Bromley.

Saunders said: “He has had a number of trials with clubs in the EFL and higher divisions over the summer and his hard work has led to him being offered a deal at a National League side which is fantastic for him.

!I hope his time at Hartsdown Park has helped contribute some valuable experience and holds him in good stead.

“It now means we are on the lookout for a few new faces to add to our squad which is something my staff and I are doing each day. This time of the season there are lots of players on trial and on the circuit so we will be keeping tabs and inform supporters on our progress.”

Margate were due to play Bromley’s under-23s on Saturday at Hartsdown Park but say that game is off due to an apparent Covid outbreak at the National League side. The are now looking for a new weekend opponent.

It’s not the first time Margate have had an opponent pull out because of Covid. Their recent fixture against a Gillingham XI was also scrapped after the League 1 side were hit by the virus.