A controversial call surrounded the end of Isthmian South East Margate’s unbeaten start to the season.

Gate lost 1-0 at Isthmian South Central Ascot United in the FA Trophy second qualifying round last weekend.

Striker Taylor Morgan got the only goal with 19 minutes to play but, before that, Ben Greenhalgh’s troops felt they should have been awarded a second-half penalty.

Player-manager Greenhalgh swung in a corner which was sent towards goal by a combination of forward Ibrahim Olutade and midfielder Harvey Brand at the back post, only for an Ascot player to seemingly handle the ball on the goal-line.

No spot-kick was given.

Greenhalgh said: “It’s frustrating to lose our unbeaten record from a decision.

“The most disappointing thing is we have lost the game down to one of their players handballing the ball on the goal-line rather than us not being good enough.

“I’m not really one to blame referees but, on this occasion, the chance came from a corner so the referee should be in a good position.

“Their guy has punched it away from the corner. You cannot blame them for doing that.

“I’m not saying that (penalty being awarded) definitely gets us through - you can miss a penalty and lose with 10 players - but it changed the dimension of the game.

“The referee knew something was up because he stopped the game but he came over to the linesman who was near me. I could see it - that’s where it’s frustrating.

“We still could have been better for the final 30 minutes.

“It’s the first time we have had to manage a decision like that going against us this season.

“But we can put a positive spin on it that being in the FA Trophy can affect your league routine.

"We now have Lancing in the league in two weeks’ time (on October 5) rather than another Trophy game.”

Margate will aim to swiftly move on from the disappointment during another busy week.

They host Isthmian Premier Horsham in a big FA Cup third qualifying round tie on Saturday, having been due to visit fierce Thanet rivals Ramsgate tonight in the Kent Senior Cup.

On their derby at Southwood, Greenhalgh had mixed emotions, with the fixture falling in a competition which is unlikely to be either clubs' top priority amid a busy period.

He said: "It’s a really tough fixture to have at this stage.

"When I saw the draw, I was almost annoyed because it’s such a rivalry and you don’t really want to waste it on a Kent Senior Cup game. But also, it’s a good way to show our new players what it’s about, ahead of Boxing Day (when they'll meet in the league) - that’s what it’s all about.

"We’re still going to play a strong enough team. We will not stupidly rotate but some have done a little bit too much this season.

"We will not put the full priority on Saturday but we need to make sure that our squad is all right for that game."

Horsham reached the second round proper of the FA Cup last term and - again - have already knocked out higher-division Dorking. But they were thumped 5-2 at Dulwich Hamlet at the weekend.

“The FA Cup has to take priority with, financially, the impact it can have and what it already has had at the club,” said Greenhalgh, whose team could pocket another £5,625.

“There’s a couple of Kent derbies that are coming up but the most important thing is the FA Cup. But the harsh reality is that’s also the toughest game.

“Their result against Dulwich Hamlet was a bit of a surprise for me, they have been a bit hit-and-miss. I actually tipped them to be one of the favourites to win that league this year.

“But they have a bit of form in the FA Cup and have had some good runs in the past.

“It’s in their DNA, we need to get it into our DNA. We need to get Margate winning games.

“Last year, we only won 10 league games all season but, this year, we have already won six.

“In all cup games, we have only conceded two goals so we’re still hard to beat and that’s a positive.”

The FA Cup clash will also be their first home game in nearly three weeks.

“We’re buzzing to be at home and to play in front of our own fans,” said Greenhalgh.

“We’re trying to make Hartsdown Park a really positive place. So far, we haven’t lost a game there.”

Margate have also so far been able to keep the squad Greenhalgh and No.2 Adam Flanagan established together.

Greenhalgh, whose side are at Ashford in the Velocity Cup on Tuesday, said: “I’m not sure many players would have made it to September before where nobody has left or come into the squad.

“That’s testament to the group in general. Some probably have warranted starting more than they have but decisions have gone against them.

"Keeping everyone fit and ready is difficult.

“But we changed a few things on Saturday and we will continue to do that wherever we need to.”

Gate were 2-0 victors at Beckenham last Tuesday thanks to Brand’s brace.

Margate are running a ticket offer around their next two home games.

Those paying for a ticket against Horsham can receive 50 percent off their ticket for the fixture against Three Bridges at Hartsdown Park on October 8.

Visit their website for details.