Margate player-manager Ben Greenhalgh frustrated as second-half penalty call in 1-0 FA Trophy defeat at Ascot United helps end unbeaten start; Gate visit fierce rivals Ramsgate in Kent Senior Cup

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. You cannot blame them for doing that.

“I’m not saying that (penalty being awarded) definitely gets us through - you can miss a penalty and lose with 10 players - but it changed the dimension of the game.

“The referee knew something was up because he stopped the game but he came over to the linesman who was near me. I could see it - that’s where it’s frustrating.

“We still could have been better for the final 30 minutes.

“It’s the first time we have had to manage a decision like that going against us this season.

“But we can put a positive spin on it that being in the FA Trophy can affect your league routine.

"We now have Lancing in the league in two weeks’ time (on October 5) rather