It took more than half an hour for the hosts to make the breakthrough with Corneille’s headed opener (pictured by Don Walker) and Carshalton drew level just before the hour when Luke Pigden netted his own first of the season.
Margate quickly hit back with two goals in a minute, from Corneille and Matt Bodkin, and that was enough to clinch a victory which gave them a four-point lead over Whitehawk at the top of the table.
Carshalton remain three points adrift at the bottom and have played more games than any of the six sides above them - as many as five more than some.
Maidstone regained the Ryman South leadership with a 3-1 home win over Three Bridges in the only other match to beat the freezing weather.
Bridges, next to bottom of the table, took a shock lead through Tim Rivers in the 34th minute and came close to claiming at least a point.
Nicky Humphrey equalised for Stones on the hour but only five minutes were left when Paul Booth finally put then in front. Warren Whitely added a late third to send most of the 1,119 spectators home happy.
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