Margate boss Reece Prestedge is working hard to replace injured midfielder Montel Agyemang.

Former Welling man Agyemang suffered a broken leg during Gate’s 2-1 home defeat by Cheshunt at the end of August.

The 26-year-old, who rejoined from Billericay over the summer, was a big part of Prestedge’s plans this season.

Margate have felt his absence but Prestedge appears to be closing in on a replacement as part of a wider search for new signings.

“We’re working on a few players that will hopefully be done and dusted soon, just to make us a little bit stronger and hopefully drive us on,” said Prestedge, speaking before last night’s 3-1 FA Cup Second Qualifying Round replay win at Folkestone.

“We have to replace Monts. He was a vital part of what we did in pre-season and the games he played in and you miss a player like that.”

All being well, Agyemang will be back in a Margate shirt before the end of the season.

Prestedge added: “He’s comfortable, he’s on his feet, he’s moving about.

“He’s just got to wait two months to see how it’s healed and what rehab he needs.

“I still think we’re looking at between four and five months to get him back.

“I presume, if he stays on track, he’ll be back for the beginning of March.”

Margate’s location means recruitment has often been a challenge for managers over the years.

It’s no different for Prestedge but he’s got a good squad together and knows the club have plenty going for them.

“Of course, it’s hard,” said Prestedge. “The travel is one aspect of it. The money is another.

“You’ve got some big hitters in the league this year and you’ve got to try and do things to draw players in.

“I think we’ve got a good squad and we’ve got some recognised names in there, which helps you build.

“It’s a good club, we’ve got good facilities and we train in Maidstone, so it’s not too far for the boys to travel.

“We’re versatile in that and I think we have to be because Margate’s the end of the Earth.”

Margate are in Isthmian Premier action at Canvey Island this Saturday (3pm), with Prestedge confident there’s more to come from his side.

They’ve made a solid start to the campaign, with nine points from six games, but there’s always room for improvement.

He said: “We’ve built a decent squad this year of real togetherness and I’m sure there’s percentages we can go up and be even stronger.

“Signing a few soon will make us stronger but, at the moment, we’re not at the levels I think we can be.”

Margate took their second chance against Folkestone in the FA Cup after scoring an injury-time equaliser in the first game.

Tyrone Sterling, Ben Greenhalgh and Steve Cawley opened up a three-goal lead, with Ira Jackson pulling one back for the hosts.

Gate visit Chesham United in the Third Qualifying Round on September 30.