Harrison Hatfull and Kai Garande hailed as two of the best full-backs in Isthmian South East by Margate player-boss Ben Greenhalgh; Five-goal Louie Atkins leads Gate to thumping midweek 6-0 Velocity Cup win

Harrison Hatfull and Kai Garande have been hailed as two of the best full-backs in the division by Margate player-boss Ben Greenhalgh.

Both were influential as Isthmian South East play-off occupants Gate extended their unbeaten league run to seven matches with last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Three Bridges at Chatham.

Garande, 21, won a first-half penalty, which was converted by 15-goal top scorer Ibrahim Olutade, before 24-year-old Hatfull’s first goal this season put them back ahead after Three Bridges’ second-half equaliser.

Captain Harry Hudson then claimed a late third - much to Greenhalgh’s amusement - a scrappy goal that came from a corner by the player-manager, who felt the clincher may have been bundled in by midfielder Harvey Brand.

Greenhalgh said: “When we take corners, Harrison always stays back.

“It’s difficult for him to get involved there. That’s why we judge our players on goal contributions, both in terms of goals and assists.

“However, it’s also a case of getting more goals for him. It’s the same for Kai Garande, who got another assist on Saturday winning the penalty, and was brilliant.

Gate player makes team-of-the-week

“In my opinion, they’re two of the best full-backs in the division, especially for how we play.

"Hopefully as the club progresses, they can.”

Greenhalgh admitted it was a case of getting the job done against the West Sussex side, who are playing at the Bauvill Stadium with a 3G pitch being put down at Jubilee Field.

“There was no music before the game and a bit of a strange atmosphere,” he reflected.

“However, we went ahead in the first half through a penalty from Ibz. We were disappointed to concede after half-time but we scored twice more after that.

“The one thing I will give to