A dominant first half performance wasn’t enough for Margate as they maintained their unbeaten streak in the Bostik Premier, despite drawing 2-2 with Leiston.

Jack Evans opened the scoring after just two minutes when a free kick fell to the midfielder on the edge of the box. Evans did well to find the net through a crowded area.

The hosts’ lead was doubled after just ten minutes when Matt Bodkin did well to fire past Leiston’s keeper after cutting in from a wide position on the left.

Margate held that lead until early in the second half when Byron Lawrence’s free kick flew into the top corner of the net.

The comeback was complete in the first of four added minutes when Joseph Marsden headed in, levelling the scores and putting an end to a disappointing half for the hosts.

In his programme notes ‘gate manager Steven Watt praised his side for their midweek draw, and they were able to build on that positivity straight from kick off.

It only took two minutes for the opening goal of the game to be scored. A free kick from David Martin was punched as far as Jack Evans and, without hesitating, the midfielder did well to loft the ball over the packed area before nestling in the net.

Margate’s lead was doubled after another eight minutes when, after picking the ball up from the left side, Matt Bodkin drove at the visitors defence. Cutting inside onto his right foot, the winger fired a low shot across goal past Marcus Graham and into the bottom corner. Bodkin came into the game as the only player to not start against Tonbridge in midweek but repaid his manager’s faith in him within the opening ten minutes.

It could have been 3-0 within half an hour at Hartsdown Park if it wasn’t for a fantastic save from Garnham. Frannie Collin was able to skilfully bring the ball across onto his stronger right foot and hit a shot towards the near post. However, the Leiston shot stopper got down brilliantly to deny the former Maidstone striker his first goal of the season.

The hosts’ domination continued as half time approached. Jack Evans fired a curling shot over before Collin found Orlando Smith’s attacking run, only for the striker’s effort to be blocked by two defensive bodies.

With the 45 minute mark looming, the Suffolk side finally got themselves a foothold in the game. Thomas Bullard nearly bundled a loose ball past Lenny Pidgeley before Kyle Hammond could only see his cross headed away by Liam Friend. Neither team threatened in the final minutes of the half, meaning it was the Thanet side who lead going into the break.

Leiston started the second half on top, and it only took ten minutes for them to get the game back within reach. Byron Lawrence’s left footed free kick flew perfectly into the top corner of Lenny Pidgeley’s goal.

The Chelsea youth ‘keeper was called into action moments later when Matthew Blake found a way through the Margate defence, only for Pidgeley to deny him with a strong palm away.

Lawrence was inaction again later in the half as Leiston piled on the pressure. Pidgeley did well to hold his shot from the right wing before Matthew Blake hit an off balance shot from Blake was also kept out.

With just under ten minutes remaining Margate began to play better, predominantly through their attempts at quick counter attacks. Chris Sessegnon nearly found Frannie Collin’s run into the area before the attacker’s own free kick resulted in Lee Prescott firing wide.

With time running out for Leiston to find an equaliser they pushed forward in the hope of finding another goal. However, it was Pidgeley who saved them again, getting in the way of a goal-line scramble following a Kyle Hammond free kick. The full back was involved again when his cross just evaded the head of Matthew Blake.

The pressure went on. Thomas Bullard had his effort blocked before Leiston had their best opportunity to bring the game level.

To conclude the spell of pressure from the visitors it took a cross from the left and a badly timed offside trap to level the match. Joseph Marsden slipped in behind the defence to nod past the goalkeeper to the dismay of everyone in blue.

 

 

Margate: Pidgeley, Sessesgnon, Mills, Rogers, Friend, Wynter, Bodkin (Prescott), Evans, Smith (Swift), Collin, Martin (Chiedozie)

Subs not used: Stannard, Brown, Chiedozie

Leiston: Garnham, Hammond, Dunbar, Eagle, Ainsley, Bullard, Lawrence, Brothers (Marsden), Blake, Finch (Jefford), Doherty (Ford)

Subs not used: Pelling, Beckwith

Referee: Mr R Adams

Assistants: Mr J Kasper and Mr A Stacchini

Attendance: 624