Stevenage took full points from this dire encounter, which had a distinct end of season feel about it from the outset.
With Margate already well clear of the relegation zone and Stevenage's main concern a top-eight finish and a place in next season's LDV Vans Trophy, it seemed too much to hope that this would be a nail-biting encounter.
But despite the lack of a top billing, the game sprang into life seconds into the contest when Stevenage made the most of their centre and within ten seconds had forced a corner after Phil Smith in the Gate goal parried a chip from Jon Brady just past the post.
Unfortunately the early attack was not a sign of things to come as although Stevenage enjoyed the lions share of possession, they failed to create any clear cut chances on goal in the early exchanges.
Indeed it took until the 28th minute when the crowd had something to cheer as Barry Laker rose highest to a corner only to see his powerful header cannon back off the underside of the crossbar.
Margate's best chances came from Stevenage old boys as Rocky Baptiste saw a flicked header fly over the bar on 24 minutes, while six minutes from the break Adrian Clarke unleashed a 20-yard drive which keeper Mark Westhead did well to parry to his left.
Stevenage weren't so lucky just five minutes later when further poor defending gifted Margate a goal against the run of play. Baptiste was the creator after he was allowed to run down the right and fire across a ball which Graham Porter managed to lift over Westhead into the back of the net.
It was a wake-up call which came too late for Stevenage in the first half, but saw them lift their game in the second period and grab an equaliser on the hour mark when Dino Maamria cut in from the right-hand side and lobbed over Smith to pull Stevenage level.
With Margate barely able to manage an attack there was only going to be one winner and it proved to be the home side who took all the spoils and grabbed the decisive second just seven minutes from the end.
Laker was again able to head powerfully at goal from a high ball into the area. His effort slipped through the hands of Smith and substitute Justin Richards helped it on its way over the line to secure victory for the home side.