Margate extended their unbeaten league run to 10 games with a hard fought point against Jersey Bulls at The Springfield Stadium on Saturday.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh welcomed back Sam Blackman onto the bench as the ‘Gate went in search of extending their recent fine form against a side who were still unbeaten at home this season.
The trip across the channel got off to the worst possible start as the Blues found themselves 1-0 down as Lorne Bickley fired the hosts in front after just two minutes.
The ‘Gate were handed the opportunity to level almost immediately as they were awarded a 5th minute penalty, however Captain Harry Hudson opted for power and saw his fierce effort fly over the bar.
Despite the miss Margate continued to pressure the home sides goal as a header from a corner was cleared off the line just minutes later. The Bulls weren’t to be outdone for chances themselves as Bickley rounded Wray before seeing his effort go wide from a narrow angle, before the striker then smacked the woodwork.
The ’Gate hit the woodwork themselves just moments before the break as Ibrahim Olutade almost added to his incredible scoring form, however the ‘Gate were to go in 1-0 down at the break.
It took the ‘Gate just ten minutes into the second half to get on level terms as Kane Haysman added to his fine recent scoring form from a ‘Gate corner to level things up.
It was only to be level for 11 minutes though as the hosts forced themselves back into the game as Rai Dos Santos fired past Tom Wray to give the hosts the lead once again.
The ‘Gate weren’t keen on wasting their journey and kept pushing for something to take back to Thanet with them and with 17 minutes remaining they were rewarded for their efforts as the gaffer drew the ‘Gate level and earned them a well deserved draw on the road.
The ’Gate return to action this coming weekend as they travel to table topping Three Bridges in what will be an intriguing encounter at the top end of the Isthmian South-East Division.
Margate XI: Wray, Hatfull (Peters 90’), Oke, Walsh ( Walters 68’), Lawrence, Hudson, Olutade, Greenhalgh, Haysman, Young (Blackman 68’), Garande
Subs not used: Nkwocha, Agbebi
Margate Goalscorers
Kane Haysman 55’
Ben Greenhalgh 73’
Attendance
845
