Two goals in the first three minutes paved the way for a comfortable Margate victory at VCD Athletic.
Whilst Maidstone United were otherwise engaged preparing for their F.A. Cup match, the team from Thanet took full advantage to extend their lead at the top of the Ryman Premier.
In the second minute, Lewis Taylor crossed for Ryan Moss to rise and head home, then less than a minute later, a mix up in the Vickers defense allowed Luke Moore to roll into an empty net.
Lea Dawson headed wide for VCD and Michael Power shot straight at Nicky Bull as the hosts tried to drag themselves back into the game.
Karl Dent shot wide and Orlando Smith had a shot blocked after making room for himself but Margate looked dangerous when they attached and Moss might have done better when heading wide from Tambeson Eyong’s cross.
Nick Reeves got on the end of Power’s cross and netted but was adjudged offside.
Flowing football by Margate presented them with another chance but Nick Blue saved from Dent.
Another good move saw Margate increase their lead in the 34th minute when left back Anthony Riviere squared for right back Eyong to curl home.
Bull made a save from Lewis Tozer when Margate struggled to clear a corner then Sean Roberts smashed a shot against the crossbar shortly before the break.
Ten minutes into the second period, Blue made a breathtaking double save from Kayne Wills and Charlie Allen went close with a volley.
Blue made another save from Moore then thwarted Moss by tipping over his dipping free kick.
Half chances came and went at either end before Blue made another fine save from Taylor.
Although both teams played their football on the ground, Margate had a little too much for VCD and left as worthy winners.
VCD Athletic: Blue, Cox, Basey, Reeves (Payne 76), Tozer, Dawson, Roberts, Dent (Perkins 69), Power, Bremner, Smith (Deen 85).
Unused substitutes: McDonagh, Penfold.
Margate: Bull, Eyong, Riviere (Cash 69), Allen, Stuart, Johnson, Taylor, Wills, Moss, Williams (Phipp 52), Moore.
Unused substitutes: Attwood, Taylor, Beales.
Referee: Simon Finnigan.
Assistants: Wally James and Ryan Whitaker
Attendance: 206
Man of the match: Kayne Wills