In front of their third biggest crowd since returning to Hartsdown Park in 2005, Margate enjoyed a hard working and deserved 3-1 win against a Palace side including former striker Kwesi Appiah and a number of first team players.

By the end of the game, Manager Chris Kinnear had used all the resources at his disposal, but by then Margate were comfortable against their south London opponents who lacked any real penetration outside a wonderful equaliser from Ibra Sekajja who was set up by former Blue, Kwesi Appiah.

Margate had already taken a seventh minute before Sekajja scored for the visitors. A clear hand ball in the box resulted in a spot kick that Tommy Whitnell despatched clinically enough.

Palace came more into the game as the half wore on; inspired by Sekajja’s strike, but it was the home side who scored again through Carl Rook, six minutes before the break.

Gate scored soon after the restart too – just two minutes into the second half – when Tyler Christian-Law pounced as the Eagles failed to clear their lines.

Margate welcomes Folkestone Invicta to Hartsdown Park for another pre-season fixture on Tuesday evening. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Manager Chris Kinnear expects to confirm another two signings over the next five days as he continues the job of building a side to challenge for promotion and a return to the Blue Square Bet South.