Margate produced more late drama as they extended their unbeaten league run to six games with a 3-2 win over Broadbridge Heath at Hartsdown Park.
Hartsdown Park paid its respects before the game on remembrance weekend as the Margate Sea Cadets performed the Last Post ahead of kick-ff.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh was forced into a change in midfield as Max Walsh was suspended, meaning a switch in shape, which also saw goalkeeper Tom Wray return between the sticks.
It was the visitors who started quickly as they took a fourth minute lead as the ball was worked to Jake Lawrence who superbly curled the ball past Wray to give the visitors the lead.
Margate however were soon back on level terms as a Greenhalgh header was parried down into the path of Ibrahim Olutade who back heeled the rebound into the net to level things up on seven minutes.
It was then one way traffic as the ‘Gate looked to turn the game on its head almost immediately. Greenhalgh saw a brilliantly whipped free-kick tipped wide as the ‘Gate pressure grew.
It was TT Walters next on the charge as Margate moved the ball well into Walters who raced through only to see his effort on the half volley well blocked. More heroic defending from the visitors denied Greenhalgh again as they failed to capitalise on their pressure.
There was a moment of fear for the ‘Gate just seconds before the break as Lawrence broke free from Emmanuel Oke, however Wray was quick off his line to deny the striker as the sides went in level at the break.
Margate started the second half in very much the same fashion as Greenhalgh again saw another whipped free-kick well saved, however the ball just wouldn’t fall to a ‘Gate player chasing in.
Moments later it was the Captain Harr Hudson who saw a half chance go begging after another wicked corner caused a game of head tennis which eventually dropped to Hudson who saw his half volley fly just over the bar.
With 23 minutes left, the visitors gave the ‘Gate another scare as they worked the ball well again to Lawrence who raced through one on one with Wray who again denied the striker superbly.
Two minutes later though and the ‘Gate were ahead a Greenhalgh corner was headed home by Kane Haysman for his tenth goal of the season.
That lead was only to last 90 seconds though as Hartsdown Park became shrouded in controversy. A long effort from Luke Staight from 25 yards dipped over Wray and off the underside of the crossbar which was initially awarded by the referee. After a conversation between the referee and the linesman on the goal side, the goal was ruled out and Margate set about to restart with a free-kick. After another 30 seconds the referee was called over by the linesman on the dugout side who advised the ball had crossed the line and after a three minute delay the goal was awarded.
With just two minutes remaining the visitors had a glorious chance to win it as they again worked a one on one, however this time Callum Dowdell shot over the bar.
With seven minutes additional time, the clock was ticking towards another 2-2 draw until Jo Kpaka stepped forward in the 92nd minute and smashed home an effort following a scramble in the box to send the ‘Gate fans into raptures.
Margate XI: Wray, Hatfull, Oke (Lawrence 79′, Hudson, Walters (Agbebi 75′), Olutade, Greenhalgh, Peters, Haysman, Young (Kpaka 75′), Garande
Subs Not Used: Husthwaite, Nkwocha
Margate Goalscorers
Ibrahim Olutade 6′
Kane Haysman 69′
Jo Kpaka 90+2
Attendance
508
