Ibrahim Olutade enjoyed a winning Margate injury comeback on Saturday.
Striker Olutade, who had been sidelined since their 4-3 home success over Sevenoaks last month, came through 76 minutes in their 2-1 Isthmian South East win at Eastbourne.
The 27-year-old had even struck against Oaks at Hartsdown Park - before sustaining a knock.
“It’s been very tough for me,” said seven-goal Olutade. “I hadn’t played for three weeks so I missed four games in total.
"I sprained my ankle against Sevenoaks. I scored in that game, as well, when we won 4-3, and the gaffer, Ben Greenhalgh, scored at the end.
"Towards the end of that game, in the last few minutes, I sprained my ankle.
“I was out for three weeks. That was mentally draining, especially after playing well, scoring and winning.
“It was nice to come back on Saturday to get my first minutes in three weeks.”
Margate had found themselves 1-0 behind when Olutade came off for Louie Atkins, only for the hosts to be reduced to 10 players with substitute Eliot Jenks red-carded for a high challenge.
Gate substitute Kieron Agbebi levelled on 85 minutes and midfielder Max Walsh came up with a stoppage-time winner through an overhead kick.
“Personally, it was the perfect way to come back with three points,” reflected Olutade.
“It was our first away [league] win this season. It was a good result, especially because - when we looked at the league table straight after the game - we saw everyone above us won.
“It was a vital three points for us.”
While Olutade returned for Gate at The Saffrons ground, player-manager Ben Greenhalgh was a notable absentee as he became a father again.
Olutade said: “Not having Ben there, that’s a miss - as a player and a manager.
“When we found out that he wasn’t
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