A controversial call surrounded the end of Isthmian South East Margate’s unbeaten start to their season. Gate lost 1-0 at Isthmian South Central Ascot United in the FA Trophy second qualifying round last weekend.
Striker Taylor Morgan got the only goal with 19 minutes to play but, before that, Ben Greenhalgh’s troops felt they should have been awarded a second-half penalty.
Player-manager Greenhalgh swung in a corner which was sent towards goal by a combination of forward Ibrahim Olutade and midfielder Harvey Brand at the back post, only for an Ascot player to seemingly handle the ball on the goal-line.
No spot-kick was given. Greenhalgh said: “It’s frustrating to lose our unbeaten record from a decision. “The most disappointing thing is we have lost the game down to one of their players handballing the ball on the goal-line rather than us not being good enough. “I’m not really one to blame referees but, on this occasion, the chance came from a corner so the referee should be in a good position. “Their guy has punched it away from the corner.