Ben Allen made an immediate impact on his Margate debut.

Gate player-boss Ben Greenhalgh only confirmed the capture of Allen a day ahead of last weekend’s 4-0 Isthmian South East victory against Eastbourne Town.

But the 23-year-old substitute scored a stoppage-time goal to get off the mark.

Summer target Allen started the season at Isthmian Premier Dartford - where Greenhalgh runs the Academy. That switch didn’t work out the way Allen had hoped, leaving Margate to make their move for the forward.

Speaking on Monday, Greenhalgh said: “We know how good a signing Ben is.

“We spoke to him in the summer but we sort of pushed him to Dartford because he wanted to play at that level and because we have a good relationship with them through myself and Flan (assistant Adam Flanagan).

“At the same time, we knew that he could be a good option for us.

“We spoke to him on Friday and said we didn’t want to change a winning side because we have been playing so well recently.

“But he got one and could have had another, which was good to see.

“He offers something we didn’t have.

“Obviously, Ibz (Ibrahim Olutade) has been scoring, along with some of the midfielders like myself, Jordan [Ababio] and some others, but Ben can play up there with Ibz, as well, and adds to our options.”

Allen’s strike came after 13-goal top scorer Olutade had broken the deadlock in the first half, winger Ababio and playmaker Greenhalgh adding to the advantage at Hartsdown Park.

“Saturday was what we were waiting for, really - a big result,” reflected Greenhalgh.

“We have been playing that way all season so far but this was the time we scored the four goals and kept another clean sheet.

“That’s three wins on the spin now and, in our last seven league games, we have got 16 points, which is a really good return.

“In the last three games, we have got 10 goals. That’s a really good return but it’s needed, as well, because it seems like a high-scoring league.”

Gate’s weekend win came after they fought back to earn a 3-1 victory at Erith Town thanks to goals from Olutade, Ababio and midfielder Max Walsh last Tuesday.

Greenhalgh said: “That was a really good performance.

“I don’t think there was a level of disrespect to Erith from us but we were lucky to only be 1-0 down after 40 minutes.

“The game-plan wasn’t working at all.

“Then, we did what we seem to be doing a lot and scored just before half-time - but we were still ruthless at half-time and made changes. We showed good character.”

Meanwhile, winger James Bessey-Saldanha and defender Ross Craig have left the club.

Greenhalgh explained: “Rossi is one of the best full-backs in the division but the reality is that Kai [Garande] has been phenomenal.

“We have given Rossi as many chances as we could and he was playing well. We want to keep three really good full-backs but it’s pretty impossible to do that all season.

“It’s sad to see Rossi leave but he wants to play regularly and, also, try a new position.

“He played as a centre-midfielder in his younger years when I knew him and I think he wants to play in a bit more of an inverted, central, role.

“I think Erith Town have given him that option.

“Bessey is a frustrating one.

“There’s bundles of talent there but he’s struggled with other commitments and work commitments this season.

“There’s been times where he has been down to start and then has had to come out of the side so I think he’s going to look for something a little closer to home.”

A busy period ahead sees promotion-chasing Isthmian South East Gate visit Broadbridge Heath in the league this Saturday and travel to Deal on Tuesday.

“There’s a lot of away games coming,” Greenhalgh said.

“We have noticed we have got a lot of home games, come the February and March period.

“We have Broadbridge Heath on Saturday and, when I came into this league, everyone has told me how hard it is to go there.

“Then Deal is another tough away game. They’re maybe not getting the results but I know they’re a very strong side.

“I’m sure November will not be 100% perfect - although I hope it will be - but we have got the players in our squad to manage our performances and maintain our standards.”

Gate lost 3-0 at Herne Bay in the Kent Senior Cup as Allen failed to convert a penalty on Tuesday.