John Cornforth found his first Conference South game in charge of County an education, but for the purist Saturday's clash in deepest Kent was a demonstration on how football should not be played.

Both sides too often took the long ball option at the expense of retaining possession and the first half in particular did not make pleasant viewing.

"It was awful," said the County boss, "and I think the ball was black and blue at half time. But I am learning about my players and this league."

Both sides were a long way from home with Margate fans having to travel the 40 miles to their temporary venue at Ashford while a substantial number of County's loyal following made the long journey for the lunch-time kick-off.

Cornforth opted for an unfamiliar 3-5-2 system as County tried to match Margate's own style and counter their dangerous forwards Che Stadhart and Rocky Baptiste and they achieved a measure of success in that the duo rarely threatened.

But Andrew Thomas dithered in the 19th minute when he twice had the opportunity to clear and Margate winger Peter Benevides gave Roger Freestone no chance.

The game threatened to boil over when John Keister clashed with Ashley Williams, but the County teenager was not intimidated and the Margate midfield man picked up a yellow card which subdued him for the rest of the game.

County produced few threats of their own before the break, though Jonathan Coates did create a chance for Carl Wilson-Denis which the tall striker was unable to direct on target.

It was the last contribution from the former Swansea winger and Coates, who has had a difficult week with his pregnant wife several days overdue, was replaced at half time by teenage full back Neil Passmore.

Baptiste missed a chance to double Margate's lead as County switched off at a 59th minute free kick, but neither 'keeper was extended as the game still lacked quality.

Cornforth replaced central defender Thomas 18 minutes into the second half with the all-action Gethyn Jones and County reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, looking much more comfortable as a result.

In the 65th minute Wilson-Denis was taken out from behind on the edge of the area by the last home defender, Billy Edwards, and after checking with his assistant, referee Mr John awarded a spot kick.

Edwards must have been surprised that the card was only yellow but Jason Bowen confidently struck home the penalty and County then looked the more likely winners. Margate 'keeper Peter Trego had to react sharply to tip over a Bowen lob after 85 minutes and Wilson-Denis was then denied by a goal-line clearance from Alex Charalambous.

But a point apiece was about right and Cornforth was left to reflect on his education as County boss.

"We have to win games like this if we are going to push for a place near the top of the league but in fairness several of our players have been ill and had not been able to train.

"Jamie Moralee and Lee Phillips have particularly suffered, but we didn't let our heads drop when we went a goal down.

"I have heard that this team tends not to recover when they fall behind but I can't criticise their honesty and endeavour.

"We just need to show more quality because my game is all about passing the ball." Nathan Davies is probably the best exponent of the art at County and the injured midfield player was conspicuous by his absence.

Margate: Trego, Beckwith, Charalambous, Edwards (Jjunju 81), Barnett, Annon, Keister, Gradley, Stadhart, Baptiste, Benevides. Subs not used: Ngongou, Watson, Bulley. Hussein. Scorer: Benevides (19) Cautions: Keister (37 foul), Edwards (65 foul).

County: Freestone, L Phillips, Thomas (G Jones 63), Aherne-Evans, D Jones, Morgan, Bowen, Williams, Moralee, Wilson-Denis, Coates (Passmore 46). Subs not used: J Phillips, Evans, Blackburn. Attendance: 203