Weston-super-Mare 2 Margate 2

MARGATE had to settle for a point after conceding a late equaliser away at Weston-super-Mare in the Conference South on Saturday.

John Keister conceded an unnecessary corner in the 84th minute and Mark McGregor was on hand to slot the ball home after a frantic goalmouth scramble.

Gate had the best of the early play, but went behind against the run of play after 40 minutes.

McGregor appeared to foul Greg Oates, but the referee allowed him to continue and his ball into the area fell nicely for Steven Cowe to poke the ball into the net from close range.

But Gate were level before the break as Che Stadhart tapped home after Rocky Baptiste had squared the ball to him. Stadhart had earlier forced a good save from the Weston keeper.

Oates was controversially given offside when through on goal five minutes into the second half, but Gate were ahead on the hour mark.

Alex Charalambous was hauled down just outside the box and Oates curled the resulting free kick superbly into the net just beneath the bar.

The visitors had two great chances to win it after Weston’s equaliser but substitute Darren Ward’s shot was deflected just wide of the post and Oates missed the target with a header when well placed.