Scott Donnelly says he hopes his goal in Margate’s 2-0 home FA Cup win over Biggleswade Town on Saturday is the first of many for the club.

The 28-year-old fomer Havant & Waterloovile midfielder scored Gate’s second with a neat cushioned volley in the 65th minute, but revealed afterwards that he had not expected to play.

The summer signing missed the 2-0 midweek league defeat to Dartford due to a knee injury and only passed himself fit on the morning of the second qualifying round tie – much to manager Nikki Bull’s relief.

Donnelly, who played with his knee heavily strapped, explained: “I wasn’t expecting to play but the gaffer had put emphasis on the game. To get a goal was nice but the result was the main thing and we got that.”

Donnelly, who began his career at Queens Park Rangers, admits his knee problems are on going, but he is able to play with careful management. The Dartford game was the first one he had missed this season.

He added:“I had an operation on it a few years ago and it’s just sort of over inflamed, really bruised, really sore and the hamstring that attaches to it. It is what it is – it’s not going to get any worse, it’s just about trying to deal with what is there.

“Last Saturday when we played at Bishop’s Stortford I came off early with it but I phoned Mick (Margate's head of medical Mick Quinn) on Saturday morning saying it felt better and that I’d come and do some running and turn it into a fitness test. Happily I was able to play.”

Donnelly’s goal followed some good work by Daniel Akindayini, who cut the ball back from the byline, and was described on Twitter by Gate assistant manager Paul Barnes as a ‘screamer.’

The player though was more modest: “I just found myself on the edge of the box and it fell to me so I thought I’d have a shot and luckily it went in.

“I’m enjoying being at Margate and hopefully now I’m off the mark I can get a few more goals.”

Margate were handed a home tie with Ryman League Division 1 South side Hastings United in Monday's FA Cup third qualifying round draw.

The match will be played on Saturday, October 1, and boss Nikki Bull says that while Gate will start as favourites, they will treat the Sussex side with the utmost respect.

He added: "We're pleased to be at home and on paper it looks a straightforward tie but we know that in the cup these games are often anything but that.

"They've got a number of players who have played at a higher level and several of their side used to be at Maidstone which will also add a bit of spice.

"It's a winnable game but we will need to approach it in the same professional manner we did the tie against Biggleswade on Saturday."