Only a dubious off-side decision prevented Thurrock from gaining a draw from their friendly with highly-fancied Conference club Margate.
Terry Bowes was the man who saw his 'goal' ruled out in a solid first-half during which the home side enjoyed the better of things at The Hotel.
As it was, the only goal of the game came after the break when Margate began to take control in the middle of the park -- Warren Patmore netting from close-range.
Thurrock has two good chances late on but will not be disheartened by a friendly defeat against higher-level opposition.
Manager Colin McBride was full of praise for his sides' performance.
He said: "I am very disappointed to have lost the game.
"I felt we had 75 per cent of the play in the first half and I can't understand why the goal was disallowed."
He added: "They (Margate) are a good side and we had to work very hard throughout, there's no problem with our fitness levels.
Published Thursday, July 31, 2003
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