Boss Reece Prestedge questioned Margate players’ second-half work-rate following their derby defeat at Folkestone.

Both goals came after the restart at Cheriton Road as Gate fell to a second successive Isthmian Premier loss in three days. They had been beaten 2-1 at home to Cheshunt on Friday.

“Second half, we didn’t work hard enough,” said Prestedge. “That’s the bottom line.

“You can’t do that. You can have one or two off of it - and get away with it - but when you have got three or four, you’ve got no chance.”

While the hosts enjoyed more of the play in the first period at Cheriton Road, Margate probably had the better opportunities.

Striker Steve Cawley hit the crossbar and Cypriot midfielder Antonis Vasiliou squandered a good opportunity after a mistake by home keeper Joe Coleman before Folkestone took control. Even at 2-0, Cawley could have set up a grandstand finale but it wasn’t Prestedge’s troops’ day.

The manager reflected: “It was a strange one, really, because I think we had the better of the chances and should really have had a couple of goals before we went in at half-time.

Report: Folkestone 2-0 Margate

“They did put a bit of pressure on us first half but, if we finish our chances, I think we look quite comfortable.”

Player-coach Phil Roberts’ third goal this term had proved in vain against Cheshunt. Overall, the rest of Gate’s squad have only found the net three times between them from their opening five fixtures.

Prestedge said: “That’s the aim, obviously, not just to rely on one person to score the goals.

“Everyone has got to chip in.”

Gate, who remain on six points, are in FA Cup action this Saturday in a break from the league. They visit Southern League Premier Division South side Hendon.

“We had six from three,” said Prestedge. “Now, we have got six from five.

“It’s not the target that we wanted but, obviously, it’s nice to have a little break, go into The FA Cup, regroup and go again.”