​MARGATE are now eight points adrift of safety in the Ryman Premier League after a nightmare start to Iain O'Connell's reign.

Blues - parading four new signings - had Curtis Robinson sent off in first-half injury-time and were beaten 3-0 at home by fellow strugglers Tonbridge Angels.

Former Maidstone trio Jamie Turner, Jay Saunders and Nick Barnes plus ex-Chelmsford centre-half Grant Cooper all made their Gate debuts.

Sam Long and Paul Booth (2) were the Tonbridge goalscorers.