It was the impressive David Martin who spurned Margate’s first chance as he cut inside on the left and unleashed a fierce effort goalwards, only to see it rise over the bar at the last minute.
A few half chances followed for Margate as Jack Evans and Alex Flisher missed opportunities before the former Maidstone striker saw his one on one effort crash back off the crossbar as the scores remained 0-0 at half-time.
In the pouring summer rain Margate took the lead four minutes into the second half as Lee Prescott raced onto Orlando Smiths through ball before rounding the on-rushing goalkeeper to prod the Blues in front.
Ashford didn’t take long to respond as a low cross from the right was turned home at the back post by Brown to make it all level on the evening.
The Blues fell behind soon after as former Gate Midfielder Dan Stubbs unleashed a sensational 25 yard half volley past the rooted Lenny Pidgeley to give the Bostik South newcomers the lead.
Despite the introduction of young and exciting talent like Sid Sollis, Sid Walden and Khalil McFarlane the visitors fell further behind thanks to another wonder goal as Matt Day fired in another screamer from 25 yards past Pidgeley in the Gate goal.
Margate left it too late to reply as Sollis rose highest in the box to head home a late cross to reduce the arrears to 3-2, however Margate fell to their first defeat of pre-season.
The Blues are back in action on Tuesday, July 18 as they travel to Salters Lane to face Faversham Town in their third pre-season fixture.