25thaug05

Thursday 25th August 2005

Rams head towards their "massive" weekend in buoyant mood
EXCLUSIVE

Ramsgate are heading towards a "massive" weekend, according to their manager Jim Ward, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Kent League champions have won both their opening Ryman League division one games and travel to fifth-placed Cherry Red Combined Counties League side Merstham in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, before travelling to Tonbridge Angels two days later in the league.

But in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk Ward is respecting their cup opponents to avoid slipping up on a banana skin.

"The boot is on the other foot because when Ramsgate have been in the FA Cup and FA Vase we've always played against bigger clubs," he said.

"Now of course Merstham have got that opportunity. We are the so called big-boys so we'll give them the respect they deserve."

The Rams, however, go into the game in buoyant mood having sealed a dramatic 3-2 win against Tooting & Mitcham in their first ever Ryman League game at Southwood Stadium on Tuesday night.

Although the Surrey side scored four minutes into stoppage time to equalise, striker Steffan Ball grabbed the winner three minutes later to take all three points.

Then on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm), Ward takes his side to Longmead Stadium to take on Tony Dolby's side, who have secured four points from their opening two outings.

Ward admitted: "It's a massive weekend as we also have Tonbridge away.

"Tonbridge are strong and it will be difficult for us. They may be a relegated side but they've added some good names and if they gel they will be a formidable outfit."

Next matches

25thaug05