Defender Sam Rents has become the second Margate player in a week to join one of their Vanarama National League South rivals.

The 28-year-old Brighton-born defender has moved to Whitehawk and goes straight into their squad for Saturday's home game with Bishop's Stortford.

Rents' departure from Hartsdown Park follows that of striker Jamie Taylor, who joined Eastbourne Borough last Friday.

Rents was one of former Gate manager Terry Brown’s first signings from Sutton United in January, 2014, and was an integral part of the squad which won promotion from the Ryman Premier League last season.

The full-back has struggled for game time this season and was loaned to Ryman Premier League side Tonbridge Angels in December.

Rents started his career with Brighton and Hove Albion, signing a professional contract in 2006 and before his release in 2008, made a total of 37 appearances for The Seagulls.

He then joined Crawley Town, who at the time were in the Conference Premier clocking up 94 appearances and scoring six goals. His previous clubs also include Hayes & Yeading United, and Gateshead.