A disallowed goal proved crucial in Margate’s draw at Sevenoaks on Saturday.

It finished honours even as Ben Greenhalgh’s team played out a six-goal Isthmian South East game against the Oaks at Greatness Park.

Already leading Marcel Nimani’s side 3-2, Margate thought they had bagged a fourth when ex-Gate midfielder James Bessey-Saldanha inadvertently passed to top scorer Ibrahim Olutade, who netted - only for his goal to be controversially ruled out for offside.

Sevenoaks then found a leveller midway through the second period.

“For a neutral, it was an entertaining game,” reflected player-manager Greenhalgh.

“It was frustrating in the manner we let our goals in where we’ve let three in from set-pieces.

“But we were missing Sam Blackman, who is coming back from injury and will be back this weekend, and Lewis Knight. He’s suspended.

“At 3-2 up, their player, Bessey - which almost makes it quite funny - has played it backwards and Ibzs (Olutade) put it in the net - but is flagged offside. I think the referee spoke to the linesman.

“I briefly spoke to the referee afterwards and he apologised, but I just don’t understand how they didn’t get the decision right! Their explanations were a bit up in the air.

“Hopefully, it doesn’t impact us too much.”

While Greenhalgh, whose team failed to close the gap on third-placed Isthmian South East side Burgess Hill, felt the wrong call had been made, he refused to be overly-critical of the referee as Charlie Roberts quickly owned up to his mistake following the full-time whistle.

Greenhalgh said: “It comes around in football. You do need bits of luck.

“To be fair to the referee, after the game, I think he understood his error. When they say they have got it wrong, I’ll hold my hands up because we all make mistakes.

“We make mistakes as footballers and, sometimes, that can impact your place in the team and at the club.

“But it’s not the end of the world and I’ve spoken to the group about it.

“Would that two points have made a difference? Yes, probably right now but, hopefully, it won’t impact too much.

“I know Burgess Hill dropped points on Saturday, but they have got a decent run-in, and we have got some really tough games.”

Two of Oaks’ three scorers were former Margate midfielders in Bessey-Saldanha and Dan Duncanson.

“When we had Dan, he was a good addition,” said Greenhalgh, who marked his 200th club appearance with a goal, while Olutade and midfielder Harvey Brand were also on target.

“He played really well at Folkestone in the FA Cup. He did a really good job on some experienced midfielders.

“Dan had a good game on Saturday. What he’s good at are those late, darting runs, and we lost him for one, and he’s scored that goal.

“It was similar with Bessey. He found himself in the box and poked it in. Jordan Ababio was very aerially-dominant, as well.

“There’s no malice there.

“They’re enjoying their time at Sevenoaks and doing well, and we’re doing well.”

Next up is a journey to Merstham, seven points behind Margate and looking to cling on for the last play-off place, on Saturday.

“Merstham will be aiming to win the game to cement their place in the play-offs,” said Greenhalgh.

“There’s always the possibility we could play them.

“We have got a few teams still to play, battling in and around it. We have got Beckenham on Easter Friday. Then, we have got Ramsgate, who might win the league that day when they play us - if they’ve not already done it before - on Easter Monday.

“Myself, Adam Flanagan and Elliot Leveson, we’re close to knowing what our best team could be.

“But we’re looking forward to trying a few different ideas to make sure we’re firing at the end of the season.”

When the teams met at Hartsdown Park, the Moatsiders struck late in a 1-1 draw to cancel out left-back Kai Garande’s goal in early January.

Greenhalgh recalled: “In our home game, they got a late goal.

“They’re a good team. They rotate well and they have had some good results - they beat Ramsgate at home.

“But most importantly, it’s just about making sure we take it to them and give them a good game - as we’ve done in pretty much every game this season.”