MARGATE have signed striker Danny Hockton as they look to boost their disappointing form in front of goal.

The 26-year-old former Dover marksman is set to make his debut in Saturday's Ryman League Premier Division home game against Staines Town.

Hockton, a self-employed decorator who lives at Oprington, put pen to paper at Hartsdown Park as boss Chris Kinnear looks to improve on a tally of just 23 goals in 24 games in the first half of the season.

He played 60 first team games for Millwall before being released five years ago. He also had spells with Stevenage, Crawley and Chelmsford.

Hockton scored for Billericay in the 1-1 draw at Margate in October and said: "It's one of the best pitches in the league.The club is going forward and I want to be a part of it.

"I am at an age now when I want to start winning things which is what Chris Kinnear and Keith Piper have told me they want to do.

"I have always scored goals wherever I have been, including 28 out of a total of 56 in my first season. I have got 12 in 20 games so far and I hope to do as well at Margate."

Margate have used more than 30 players so far this season, and have won only five of 26 league games.