Margate suffered their ninth successive Vanarama National League South defeat against title-contenders Sutton United at Hartsdown Park.

Sutton led 2-0 at half-time thanks to strikes by Tim Bolarinwa and Bedsente Gomis' penalty before making sure with late goals by Kevin Amankwaah and Dan Wishart.

It was the Surrey side's first ever win in Thanet, on their fourth visit, and helped keep the pressure on title rivals Ebbsfleet who they play next week

Chris Lewington punched clear Dan Wishart's free-kick after six minutes as Sutton pressed from the start.

The visitors, unbeaten in 21 matches, took the lead after nine minutes.

Lewington did well to save the first shot, but the ball fell to Bolarinwa who curled it home.

Gate then missed a great chance to equalise four minutes later.

Dion Semble-Ferris won a free-kick, David Hunt sent it into the box, only for fellow defender Charlie Wassmer to put his free header wide of the far post.

Gate were up against it six minutes later when Dan Fitchett went down in the box under the challenge of Lewis Taylor. Referee Carl Fitch pointed to the spot, and Gomis converted comfortably past Lewington.

Gate's Danny Green headed wide, before Kane Wills went close in first half stoppage-time.

Luke Moore picked him out, but he was forced wide by Sutton keeper Ross Worner and the chance went.

Sutton looked happy to sit on their lead in the second half, as Gate kept battling.

Lively Wishart created danger just past the hour with a pacy run at the home defence, but Margate survived on that occasion.

Lewington then saved well from Bolarinwa as he shaped to shoot inside the box.

Sutton's third, five minutes before the end settled things.

Amankwaah popped up at the far post to knock home after a corner had been flicked on at the near.

Wishart then capped a good afternoon for the visitors as the clock ticked into stoppage-time, controlling the ball well, before shooting beyond Lewington into the far corner.

Margate: Lewington, Wilson, Hunt, Johnson, Goodman, Wassmer, L. Taylor, D. Green, Moore (Andrews 80 mins), Wills, Sembie-Ferris (Jolley 60 mins). Subs not used: Kallmeier.

Sutton United: Worner, Amankwaah, Spence, John, Eastmond, Collins, Bolarinwa, Gomis (Dundas 48mins) Bailey, Fitchett (Slabber 60mins),Wishart; Subs: Stearn, Dundas, Beckwith Gerrar.

Attendance: 576