Margate’s Isthmian Premier survival hopes were dealt a blow at home to champions Hornchurch on Saturday.

Returning to action less than 48 hours after a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory against Potters Bar, they lost 1-0 at Hartsdown Park.

Mark Stimson’s side found themselves a goal down in the 36th minute after former Dartford and Tonbridge striker Femi Akinwande found unmarked winger Sean Scannell at the back post before a goalless second period.

Gate remain 19th, three points from Cheshunt and safety.

Margate have just two league fixtures to play this season while Cheshunt have a game in hand on them and a better goal difference, too.

Second-placed Chatham secured their Isthmian Premier play-off place with a 2-0 derby home win against much-improved Folkestone.

Another ex-Dartford forward, Harvey Bradbury, put them in front before half-time and captain Simon Cooper sealed the points for the hosts in front of a crowd of 1,807 at the Bauvill Stadium on the hour mark.

Kevin Hake’s troops will now be focused on securing the league’s runners-up spot and home advantage in the play-offs - and also have Hashtag United to play in the Velocity Cup Final on Wednesday.

Isthmian Premier play-off occupants Horsham bagged two first-half goals, the second a penalty, on their way to a 2-0 home win over Cray Wanderers.

There was nothing to separate the top two teams in Isthmian South East, leaders Ramsgate and second-placed Cray Valley sharing the spoils from a four-goal game.

A goal in either half from Kyrell Lisbie and Freddie Parker looked to have put Steve McKimm’s side on course for a massive three points in front of a 2,563-strong crowd at Southwood.

But Ben Smith’s side roared back, as Jordan Green struck five minutes from time and fellow midfielder Alfie Paxman equalised right at the death.

The Rams top the pile - but only on goal difference. And they have played a league game more than the Millers, just leaving Cray Valley in pole position still.

Striker Chris Harris bagged a brace - including a stoppage-time equaliser - for third-placed Sittingbourne in their comeback 2-2 Isthmian South East draw with play-off chasing Lancing.

The visitors were two goals to the good inside 13 minutes but then had Destiny Omofonean Ojo dismissed for a second booking in first-half stoppage time.

Three minutes after the restart, Harris got one back and he doubled his tally for the Brickies in the 91st minute to snatch a point.

Sheppey won 2-1 at Herne Bay, effectively ending Bay’s play-off hopes, to close in on them.

Defender Lekan Majoyegbe put Ernie Batten’s Ites ahead before the break at Winch’s Field.

Home substitute Theo Osinfolarin then equalised in stunning fashion, only for Sheppey midfielder Jacob Lambert to score the all-important third goal 12 minutes from time.

Bay substitute Kayan Hassan struck the woodwork with his own wonderful strike from range but The Ites held on.

They are six points behind Steve Lovell’s side and with a game in hand to boot while Bay are six points off the play-offs.

Sevenoaks won 2-1 at home to fourth-bottom Littlehampton.

All the goals came in the second half - Emmanuel Mensah and Kayne Diedrick-Robert netting for the Oaks, either side of the visitors briefly restoring parity.

A late goal from forward Robbie Rees was a mere consolation for Ashford in a 3-1 home loss to Chichester, as Hythe went down 1-0 to Phoenix Sports.

Veteran midfielder Ryan Hayes got the game’s only goal in the 13th minute at Reachfields. It was an eighth straight defeat for the depleted Cannons.

Basement boys Erith & Belvedere are scheduled to play at home to fifth-placed Three Bridges on Sunday.