20thoct05

Thursday 20th October 2005

Ward keeps his feet firmly on the ground
EXCLUSIVE

This time last season Ramsgate were playing Kent League football, but on Saturday they are now only one win away from a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams host Southern Premier League side Cirencester Town and the Kent League champions are loving their Ryman League Division One debut, comfortably sitting in third place in the table and only two points behind leaders Tonbridge Angels.

But manager Jim Ward has seen it all before and is firmly keeping his feet on the ground.

"It's one of those games," he said in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk

"I honestly believe there is not a lot between the two sides.

"I think they'll come to us knowing everything about us and to be fair they're doing quite well in their league and have had some good scalps in the FA Cup and FA Trophy," warned the Scot.

He added: "For us to win Saturday will be a major scalp without a doubt. I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic."

Ward and his chairman Richard Lawson travelled to Bath to watch their opponents in action and also enjoyed the sights staying in the city with their wives.

"We learnt what we had to learn," said Ward. "They were full strength that night and we know what their shape is and their set pieces and all the things you go to find out.

"We know everything there is to know about them."

With six Kent clubs involved in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, billed as the "Super Six", which Kent side will get a plum tie against Gillingham - or Nottingham Forest?

"The expectation levels is we've already drawn Nottingham Forest away in the next round but that's for other people to dream about," said Ward.

"But we've got our feet firmly on the ground. We know where it takes us - it's the biggest day in Ramsgate's history if we win."

Ramsgate v Cirencester Town
FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
Saturday 22nd October 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate