29thsept04

Winning Rams stay top of Kent Youth League

RAMSGATE'S under eighteen's 5-0 home win over Chatham Town on Sunday keeps them in top spot in the MUSH Kent Youth League Under 18 (South) Division, writes John Vahid.

The under 18s have now won all of their first four league matches, disposing of Ashford Town (A), Dover Athletic (H), Folkestone Invicta (A) and now Chatham Town (H), and scoring a total of 15 goals whilst conceding only 3. Last Sunday’s result, against a very physical Chatham Town side, was probably one of the best displays of two-touch football seen at Southwood this season.

In the first half, and in particular the first twenty minutes, both sides were fairly evenly matched, although the Town ‘keeper had to pull off a number of fine saves.   However in the 31^st minute Ramsgate were awarded a penalty, which the Ramsgate ‘keeper Lee Pilcher duly despatched into the corner of the net. At half time the score remained 1-0 to Ramsgate who, although well in command, were sometimes letting themselves down with their final passes.

In the second-half Ramsgate’s ‘man of the match’, midfielder Stuart Elliot, played a major part what the Manager later described as ‘stunning’, with Elliott’s insight leading to Oliver Donohoe scoring twice in two minutes, followed by top scorer Ross Howells adding a fourth two minutes later. Not to be outdone, hardworking right midfielder Tim McArthur grabbed a well-deserved 5^th goal with a rifling shot after the Chatham ‘keeper managed to save a goal-bound header from defender Andy Hadden.  

After the game the Ramsgate manager commented, “What stunning display of two touch football - our midfield was outstanding and I can’t wait to take on Three Bridges in the Pepsi FA Youth Cup this coming Wednesday in Crawley. We are on a good run at the moment and I can see no reason to change a winning side.”

On Sunday (3^rd October 2004) Ramsgate’s Under 18s are away to Herne Bay (Winches Field) in the League, whilst the Under 17s will be at home against Bearsted, both games with an 11am kickoff.

Ramsgate: Lee Pilcher (capt), Chris Verdiccchio (J Grainger 75 mins), Andy Hadden, Clayton Barnett, Emlyn Taylor; Stuart Elliot; Tim McArthur, Oliver Donohoe; Billy Summers (L Campany 70 mins), Ross Howells, L. Martin (S. Jones 59 mins) Sub not used: J. Monlineux