A 7th minute strike from Brandon Pierrick was enough to give AFC Croydon all three points at Mayfield Stadium.
In that goal it was direct from a corner kick as a wicked in-swinging delivery put the hosts in front.
The first half ended 1-0 and within five minutes of the second half starting, Margate goalkeeper Tom Wray would be sent off, forcing The ‘Gate down to ten.
A difficult afternoon for ten-man Margate and their historic away form in the league would be halted in Croydon, which keeps The ‘Gate in 4th place.
Margate XI: 1. Tom Wray, 2. Harrison Hatfull, 6. Harry Hudson, 8. Harvey Brand (Fyn Rutherford 56′), 9. Ibrahim Olutade, 10. Ben Allen (Louie Atkins 77′), 11. Ben Greenhalgh, 12. Lewis Knight, 14. Brandon Davey, 17. Kai Garande & 19. Tom Derry (Max Walsh 18′ then he came off for Reece Hobbs in the 50th minute)
Attendance: 152
UP THE ‘GATE
