Alfie Paxman scored an injury-time equaliser as Ramsgate fought back from two down against Isthmian South East title rivals Cray Valley.

The Millers looked set to take charge of the championship race after goals from Kyrell Lisbie and Freddie Parker.

But Jordan Green replied with Rams’ 100th league goal this season and Paxman levelled in the sixth of eight added minutes in front of a bumper Southwood crowd of 2,563.

The result keeps Ramsgate top on goal difference, with two matches to play, although Cray Valley have a game in hand.

It had all the makings of a cracker, with nothing between the sides at the summit, and Cray defending a 100% away record in the league.

The first half was fairly cagey, however, with the Millers having the edge as it wore on.

Ramsgate’s patience in possession wasn’t getting them very far, with the Millers keeping them at arm’s length, while Steve McKimm’s men had more about them in terms of getting the ball into dangerous areas.

Genuine openings were few and far between in the opening 45.

Barney Williams sent a free-kick into the wall for the visitors, with Joe Taylor firing wide on the turn and Alex Brefo’s header from a corner blocked at the other end.

Matty Vigor quickly closed down a shooting chance for Rams midfielder Lee Martin before Cray took a 41st-minute lead.

Parker flicked the ball into the path of Lisbie down the left and he shook off Jack Paxman before firing low past Tom Hadler for his 27th goal of the season.

Cray Valley doubled their lead five minutes into the second half.

Lisbie collected Clement Asiedu’s ball and squared for Parker, who couldn’t miss from a few yards out.

A touchline scuffle minutes later ended with a red card for Ramsgate assistant manager Reion McFarlane, although he was allowed to watch from behind the barrier by the dugout.

The hosts made a triple change but Cray were in charge, with Lisbie denied by the legs of Hadler when played in on goal by Vigor’s neat pass.

Rams substitute Joe Turner - a major player under Millers boss McKimm in their Tonbridge years - went close with a decent strike from just inside the box on 70 minutes.

His next effort, from Benny Bioletti’s pass, wasn’t so good.

Ramsgate kept going, however, and were back in business in the 85th minute.

Martin did well in the box to work the ball to Green and he beat Max Ovenden to the keeper’s right.

Eight minutes of added time gave Ramsgate hope and they secured a point when Martin found Green, whose cross was turned in by Paxman.

Ramsgate: Hadler, Parter (Turner 61mins), Brefo, Christie, J Paxman (Bioletti 62mins), Taylor, Green, A Paxman, Warren (Anidugbe 61mins), Martin, Jadama. Subs not used: Stone, Elito.

Cray Valley: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaya, Lee, Black (Della-Verde 59mins), Parker (Coombes 66mins), Ademiluyi, Lisbie (Gayle 77mins), Waldren, Asiedu, Vigor. Subs not used: Barrington, Chambers.

Referee: Joseph Dann-Pye.

Attendance: 2,563.