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Margate relegated from Ryman League Premier Division

by Andy Winter

Premier Division

Margate sank into Division 1 South on Saturday as they were well beaten at promotion hopefuls Staines.

The Gate needed to better the result of Boreham Wood to avoid the drop but never looked like doing so after conceding twice in the opening 10 minutes at Wheatsheaf Park.

Goalmouth action from Cheriton Road as Folkestone beat Walton Casuals 4-0. Picture: Gary Browne
Goalmouth action from Cheriton Road as Folkestone beat Walton Casuals 4-0. Picture: Gary Browne

Dean Thomas opened the scoring from the penalty spot on six minutes after Ledley Griffiths had been fouled by Jack Haverson.

It then became the Richard Butler show as he grabbed a hat-trick - and none of the goals were scored from more than three yards out.

His first came in the 10th minute after a Griffiths knock-down, his second was bundled beyond Pat Mullin on the half hour mark and his third came nine minutes into the second half after the visitors had failed to clear a corner.

Kenny Pratt grabbed a consolation for Margate at the death - but they will begin next season in Division 1 South barring an administrative turnaround following Team Bath's resignation from Blue Square South.

Champions Dover ended the season with a remarkable total of 104 points after a 2-0 Kent derby win at Tonbridge.

Both goals came in a highly eventful first half, which was overshadowed by a serious injury to Dover's Lee Browning that held the match up for half an hour.

It is thought Browning swallowed his tongue after being struck in the face by a cross and he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The opener came on 17 minutes when Lassana Sidibe netted on the turn after fine build-up involving John Keister and Sam Gore.

The game was then delayed for a further 10 minutes when the referee pulled up with a muscle injury and a replacement linesman had to be found in the crowd.

Jon Wallis made it 2-0 from the penalty spot on 32 minutes after he had been brought down by Lee Worgan, which led to a red card for the Angels' keeper.

The game sparked again five minutes before the break when Ollie Schulz saw red for a challenge on Carl Rook. The sending off provoked ugly scenes in the dugouts and managers Andy Hessenthaler and Tommy Warrilow were also dismissed.

Tonbridge will play Carshalton at Longmead in the play-off semi-final on Tuesday night.

It was a tamer affair to say the least at Meadow Park as Dartford drew 0-0 with Boreham Wood.

The Darts finish in eighth place as a result of the point - but they had keeper Andy Young to thank for pulling off several fine saves to keep the scoreline blank.

Ramsgate bowed out of the division with an eighth-straight defeat, this time 3-0 at Ashford Town (Middlesex).

Billy Jeffreys opened the scoring with a free header on 21 minutes and two breakaway goals in the second half from Scott Harris and Anthony Joseph completed the victory.

A depleted Maidstone side finished the season in 15th after losing 1-0 to Billericay Town at Bourne Park.

The only goal of the game came 10 minutes before half-time when Billericay broke down the right and the move ended with Ricky Burbridge netting from eight yards.

United were so short of players even Lloyd Hume had to play 75 minutes - his first league football of the season!

Maidstone's best chance fell to Ashley Dann but the youngster, who was making his first start, shot inches wide on the turn.


Division 1 South

Whitstable are searching for a new manager after Marc Seager resigned following his side's 1-1 draw with Godalming at the Belmont.

Ian Pulman put the Oystermen in front after good work from David Cory but the visitors hit back to claim a point.

Whitstable chairman Tony Rouse announced after the game Seager had stepped down after almost four years in charge because he wants to spend more time with his family.

Seager told the club's website: "I love the club and everything about the place, but I have decided my young family deserve to have their dad around as they grow up.

"I felt the time was right. We are assured of Ryman South football next season so it gives the next manager time to get his feet under the table before the new campaign begins."

Cray Wanderers secured a home play-off semi-final against Worthing on Tuesday night as they comfortably beat Eastbourne 3-0 at Hayes Lane.

Lee Bremner effectively won the game with two fine solo efforts in two minutes shortly after half-time and Scott Kinch's volley added gloss in the 85th minute.

Folkestone ended their season on a positive note with a 4-0 home win over Walton Casuals (pictured above).

Second half goals from Michael Everitt and Jacob Arnold-Smith and a brace from James Dryden secured the points, earned Invicta their biggest home victory of the campaign and their first league double over any team this season.

The win also ensured Folkestone finished in the top half of the table.

Ashford finished in eighth place after taking a creditable point from their clash with champions Kingstonian at Homelands.

The Nuts and Bolts led five minutes after half-time when Danny Muguo was on hand to score after Ryan Briggs had seen his 30-yard drive parried by keeper Luke Garrard.

The equaliser came 12 minutes from time Adam Thompson netted direct from a free-kick after Dean Lodge had been fouled on the edge of the box.

Sittingbourne produced a lacklustre display as they went down 3-0 at Leatherhead.


Division 1 North

Chatham's superb end to the season continued as they scored late to win 1-0 at Potters Bar Town.

The aptly-named Brad Potter headed in after a Steve Best flick-on to win it three minutes from time and extend the side's unbeaten run to 12 matches.

The result lifted Chatham up a place to finish in 10th.

Sammy Thomas's goal wasn't enough for Thamesmead as they completed their season with a 3-1 home reverse to Enfield.

Youngster Jack Hopkins missed a second half penalty for Keith McMahon's side.

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