Last Gasp Goal Grabs Point

Patience proved a virtue for Margate as a last-gasp equaliser against Carshalton Athletic on Tuesday evening extended The Gate’s unbeaten run to four games in the Bostik League.

After travel delays pushed back kick-off to 8pm, the hosts were caught out after just four minutes when Ricky Korboa clinically dispatched an effort beyond Louis Wells to hand Carshalton the lead. 

The visitors looked lively from the off and went close to doubling their lead through Korboa later on but Wells was equal to the effort.

As the half wore on, Margate began to mark their intentions on a high-tempo contest.

Joseph Hungbo crafted a great opportunity down the flank but his low cross was un-met as the hosts asked more probing questions of an organised Carshalton defence. 

With half an hour on the clock, Margate had strong calls for a penalty when danger-man Kedell Daniel looked to have been fouled in the area.

In what proved to be a physical contact throughout, the referee waved away appeals and the search for an equaliser continued.

Minutes later, the visitors had goalkeeper Patrick Ohman to thank after his smart, reactive save pushed away a goal-bound Noel Leighton header.

After the break, Leighton came close again, this time getting his head on the end of a troublesome long throw in from Alex Flisher.

Whilst Margate were enjoying long spells of possession and time on the ball, a well-drilled and hard-working Robins outfit were proving a tough team to break down.

The visitors could have doubled their lead with a golden opportunity but Ola Sogbanmu blasted an effort over the bar yards out from goal.

New loan signing Tobi Sho-Silva was introduced to proceedings as Manager Jay Saunders tinkered with his formation in search of a Margate goal.

It was almost a perfect debut when Sho-Silva turned to get a shot away before the Carshalton keeper scrambled to pick up his spilled collection.

Margate were relentless in their perusal of a goal with Daniel next to induce a fine save with an impressive free kick from distance.

Some last gasp defending from a Jack Paxman cross seemed to have done enough to deny The Gate any points for the evening, but as the match headed into the 95th minute, Saunders’ side were rewarded for their industrious work-rate.

Flisher produced another testing throw in which managed to evade the Carshalton defence and the slice of luck Margate required was served in the sweetest style when Daniel back heeled the ball into the back of the net.

Daniel was able to celebrate in front of a jubilant contingent of supporters who remained at Hartsdown Park until the dying minutes, sensing Margate would eventually get the goal their endeavours merited.

Next up, a trip to AFC Hornchurch on Saturday 2nd March.

Margate: Wells, Dymond (Paxman), Mills, Rogers, Friend, Swift, Hungbo (Sho-Silva), Robins, Leighton, Daniel, Flisher

Unused subs: Kallameier, Ababio, Williams 

Attendance: 399