Michael Thalassitis has left Margate to join one of their Vanarama National League South rivals.

The 23-year-old former Stevenage and Ebbsfleet United forward has moved to Hemel Hempstead.

London-born Thalassitis came to Hartsdown Park in May after finishing last season with a profitable spell at with St Albans.

He scored three times for the Blues including one of the goals in their 2-0 win at Bishop's Stortford in September and the opener in the 2-0 FA Cup success over Biggleswade Town the same month.

It is believed the club's need to drastically reduce their playing budget is the primary reason for the popular striker's departure and boss Nikki Bull said he wished him all the best.

He added: "Michael's a good lad, with all the right attributes and he worked hard while he was with us."

Thalassitis may not be the last player out of the door this week with eight-goal top scorer Elliott Buchanan rumoured to be a target for several clubs.

The former Bishop's Stortford striker - who was the division's leading marksman last season - had scored in each of Margate's last four games before Saturday's 5-1 home defeat to Concord.