Things don’t get much tougher in Isthmian Premier than Margate’s next two matches, according to manager Andy Drury.

They were beaten last weekend 2-0 at Lewes.

Margate now are preparing to host third-placed Hornchurch this Saturday before they visit Steve McKimm’s Carshalton on Monday.

“We have got a tough weekend coming up,” said Drury. “We have got Hornchurch and then Carshalton away on Monday.

“It doesn’t get much tougher but, if we play well, there’s always a chance we can get results.”

Gate’s boss admits he may need to use his squad with the two league fixtures coming so close together.

He said: “I will sit down on Friday and pick a team for Hornchurch - but I will also have a team in mind for Monday.

“It’s an important three days for us. Hopefully, we can get into the top 10 and build from there.

“It’s tough but it’s these games you raise your game for.”

Margate have signed defender Ethan Kaiser, a player Drury played alongside at Cray Wanderers last season, although Kaiser was an unused substitute at Lewes. They have also this week extended Dartford midfielder Cameron Brodie's loan for a further month.

“Ethan was quite sought-after in the summer and he became available. He will add competition,” said Drury, who has seen Harry Hudson and Peter Ojemen strike up a partnership in Margate's heart of defence.

“Harry and Peter are striking up a good partnership, they are playing quite well. Ethan did well at Cray last year.

“He had a few offers this summer and, for whatever reason, it’s not worked out at Potters Bar. But we are buzzing to get him.”

Razz Coleman De-Graft put the hosts in front at the Dripping Pan just before the half-hour mark and former Margate striker Joe Taylor sealed the win late on.

Drury reflected: “It was quite a tough game. I think Lewes are a very good team, I will be very surprised if they are not up there at the end of the season.

“I think they had some injuries at the start of the season but we probably caught them on a good day. We were always in the game.

“Second half, I thought we were really good. We had a couple of chances but, with their second goal, we have gone for it a little bit and they have caught us. The boys were absolutely shattered and gutted they didn’t get anything.

“Although I don’t like losing games, there’s a good way to lose games when the boys give everything so I’m happy with the boys’ performance on Saturday.

“In the last four games, we have played well and shown a bit of consistency. Overall, we are getting there.”

Gate's pre-match plans were not helped by Harrison Hatfull picking up a knock and he was replaced by midfielder Montrell Deslandes.

But Drury said: "Montrell did well. To be fair to him, he worked so hard."

Defeat to Lewes ended a three-game unbeaten league run for Margate, who are 15th in the table.