Jersey Bulls held to 2-2 draw by Margate

Jersey Bulls were twice pegged back as they drew 2-2 with play-off chasing Margate in Isthmian League South East.

The islanders - who were described as "pathetic" by manager Elliot Powell after last week's 1-0 loss at Hastings United - got off to the perfect start as Lorne Bickley gave them a second-minute lead after latching on to James Queree's pass.

It should have been 1-1 three minutes later when a high foot in the Jersey penalty area saw Margate earn a spot-kick, but skipper Harry Hudson blazed over from 12 yards.

Luke Watson headed a Margate effort off the line soon after and both sides went on to hit the woodwork in the final five minutes of the first period - Bickley striking the bar as he tried to lob the goalkeeper before Ibrahim Olutade's effort came off the post for the Kent side.

Bulls had chances to increase their lead early in the second half through James Sunley and Miguel Carvalho, but found themselves conceding after 55 minutes when Kane Haysman headed in from a corner.

However, Rai Dos Santos was on hand to blast the hosts in front 10 minutes later after good work from Jay Giles and Carvalho.

Bulls felt they should have been given a penalty with 15 minutes left after Carvalho went down in the box, and they were even more aggrieved when Margate player-manager Ben Greenhalgh equalised a minute later.

The point was the second time the two sides had drawn this season after a 1-1 tie in Kent on the opening day of the campaign as Bulls remain in mid-table.

"I thought we shaded it, I thought we had the better chances," Powell told BBC Radio Jersey.

"Margate are a good side, they're always going to cause you problems, but I thought in terms of a response from last week and some strong words obviously from myself, but a number of the players in the dressing room as well, I think we've bounced back brilliantly.

"I'm super proud of that, I think in possession that's as good as we've been ever really.

"I thought we created problems, we moved the ball well, got the crowd into it, a really good performance, unlucky not to come away with all three points I think."

Related internet links

• Jersey Bulls