Bottom of the table Cray hosted Margate in this Kent derby hoping to continue on from their first win in ten, last time out at Carshalton, but sadly Terry Brown’s impressive side proved to be too strong for them scoring three goals in the last 15minutes of an entertaining match in blustery conditions.

The game got off to a lively open start with the play flowing from end to end, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring on 10minutes when McDonald set up Phipp with a low defence splitting cross that the new signing converted from close range.

Alex Stavrinou went close for Cray soon after, but Margate began to look stronger McDonald had a goal ruled out for offside after slick passing move and they penned The Wands back for a spell.

Cray did battle back though with Paul Vines going close on a couple of occasions and Jordan Bird had a dipping effort tipped on to the bar by Holloway. Margate finished the half on top with Adeweno hitting the post and Sammoutis shooting just wide.

But on a rare break in first half injury time Cray were left frustrated when the referee pulled play back for a Wands free kick just as Morgan Ferrier was broke into the box well placed to shoot.

The second half saw Cray get off to a great start when Paul Vines equalised on 47 minutes finishing off a great move which opened up the ‘gate defence. Both sides had good spells with Morgan Ferrier and Jordan Bird going close for The Wands before Margate slipped into another gear in the final quarter.

Walsh fired over, Bird cleared a corner off the line and Whitely shot wide before Terry Brown’s men finally took the lead on 77 minutes.

Nelson hit an unstoppable drive from distance from a tight angle which rocketed into the roof of the net, then 2 minutes later it was 3-1 when Rents finished off a powerful run with a cool finish. With Cray stunned Margate made it 4-1 on 83 minutes Wilson sent a sublime curling effort from distance sailing past Himbury to complete the scoring.

Whitely blasted just over late on as the visitors finished on top with Cray looking stretched. Margate’s large travelling support went back to the coast happy with their team’s fine performance, while The Wands faithful will have to take comfort in the fact that for 77 minutes they were well in this game.

Cray Wands: Himbury, Udoji, Bird, Monan, Maduako, Koo Boothe, Beckett, Stavrinou, Ferrier, Vines, Smith.

Subs: Stone, Orome, Campbell, Simpson, Fakinos.

Margate: Holloway, Nelson, Rents, Riviere, Stuart, Sammoutis, Phipp, Walsh, Adewemo, McDonld.

Subs: Bodkin, Avery, Whitely, Artemi, Wilson.

Star Man: McDonald (Margate)

Match Rating: 4/5

Att: 153