St Albans City 3 Margate 3

IN-FORM Che Stadhart scored twice for the third game running, but Margate had to be satisfied with a point against Nationwide South bottom club St Albans at Clarence Park on Saturday.

It was their first away draw of the season, but Chris Kinnear's side were twice in front, only to be denied a third league win in a row by an 87th minute equaliser from on-loan Matt Nolan.

St Albans had lost new manager Stuart Cash in midweek after only two games in charge, with Colin Lippiatt put in caretaker-charge.

Stadhart's brace took his tally to an impressive eight in five games, and 13 in 15 games, but Kinnear was disappointed his team failed to claim all three points.

He said: "It was end to end stuff and must have been exciting for any neutrals who were watching. It's disappointing not to win, but at least it's another game undefeated."

Two former Margate players, Nick Roddis and Chris Zorocich, lined up for St Alban's, who also included former Gravesend pair Adam Parker and Ben Walshe.

Stadhart scored his first of the afternoon after just seven minutes in Margate's first real attack. Rocky Baptiste crossed from the left after outpacing a defender and Stadhart's firm near post header beat St Albans goalkeeper John Armand.

However, the lead lasted only six minutes before St Albans levelled with a carbon copy of Margate's opener. Walshe was free on the left wing and his cross was fired home by top scorer Lee Clarke who netted his 10th of the season.

Then Nolan, signed from League Two side Peterborough United, put St Alban's in front. A long punt downfield by Armand caused Margate problems, and Nolan's good control saw him beat Peter Trego with a 25-yard effort.

Margate were behind for a minute when from the re-start Adrian Clarke's pass found its way to Stadhart whose shot beat Armand to end an eventful first half.

Ten minutes after the break Margate went in front again. A corner found Baptiste and his header bounced off the woodwork and into the net.

St Alban's kept battling away looking for a third and with three minutes remaining Nolan scored his second of the game as a loose ball fell to him following a corner.

* Meanwhile, Kinnear told KM-fm the level of performances recently means his side are full of confidence ahead of next weekend's trip to high-flying Basingstoke...