Margate extended their unbeaten Isthmian Premier run in their battle against relegation to three matches as they were held to a draw at home to Cray Wanderers on Easter Monday.
Mark Stimson’s side, looking to build on a 1-0 win at relegation rivals Cheshunt last Tuesday, fell behind to midfielder Enoch Muwonge’s first club goal for the Wands in the eighth minute.
But Gate equalised before half-time in front of a crowd of 336 at Hartsdown Park through defender Lewis Knight and it finished 1-1.
There was a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off in memory of supporters’ club chairman Andy Everson, who died last month.
With five league fixtures to play, 19th-placed Margate are six points behind Cheshunt while Neil Smith’s Cray Wanderers side sit 14th in the table.
A late show ensured second-placed Chatham beat relegation-bound Kingstonian 4-1 at home.
Trailing in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 at the Bauvill Stadium, experienced home defender Simon Cooper equalised in the 69th minute before substitute Jamie Yila scored a penalty with 11 minutes to go.
Forward Kareem Isiaka added a third for Kevin Hake’s team and Tonbridge loanee Francis Mampolo got his second club goal in as many games in stoppage time to wrap up another victory.
Chats are eight points ahead of third-placed Enfield, who have a game in hand, while they are 10 points off the summit. Frontrunners Hornchurch also have two fixtures in hand on them.
Folkestone went down 2-1 at play-off chasing Hastings.
All the goals came in the first half, Invicta forward David Smith making it seven goals in 10 matches for himself after Davide Rodari - in the first minute - and John Ufuah had put the hosts in control.
Cray Valley moved three points clear at the top of Isthmian South East as they earned a 2-1 victory at home to Sevenoaks.
Substitute Freddie Parker got the all-important third goal on 73 minutes after away defender Jerald Aboagye had cancelled out experienced midfielder Danny Waldren’s sixth-minute strike.
Steve McKimm’s side have now nudged ahead of second-placed Ramsgate, who fought back to draw 2-2 at home to third-placed Sittingbourne.
Striker Chris Harris put the Brickies two goals to the good by midway through the first half.
But Ben Smith’s side pulled one back in front of a crowd of 1,433 at Southwood five minutes after the restart through a penalty by top scorer Joe Taylor, and fellow forward Joe Turner ensured a share of the spoils with his 78th-minute goal.
Herne Bay’s Isthmian South East play-off hopes were dealt another blow with a 3-1 derby defeat at Ashford.
Defender Thomas Penfold put the hosts ahead and Gillingham loanee Josh Bayliss doubled their lead at Homelands.
Bay’s 24-goal top scorer Michael Salako got one back before half-time, only for substitute Max Walsh to wrap things up on 82 minutes for Alan Walker’s Nuts & Bolts.
Two-goal Jerson Dos Santos helped Sheppey to a 3-0 derby success at home to Hythe.
His brace was sandwiched between a second-half goal from utility player Connor Wilkins.
Second-bottom Isthmian South East side Erith & Belvedere are seven points adrift of safety despite a 1-1 draw at East Grinstead.
Matt Holness put them ahead midway through the second half - but they were soon pegged back.
Forward Denzelle Olopade helped Phoenix Sports to a 2-1 victory at Beckenham.
All three goals came inside the first 20 minutes, Finley Roberts putting the hosts a goal to the good, before Olopade equalised on 13 minutes and then sealed the win.
