7thfeb05

Ramsgate going great guns at all levels

FOOTBALL in Ramsgate is looking very rosy at present.  Jim Ward's first team are on course for success in the Go Travel Kent League and cups but the feel good factor seems apparent throughout the Southwood Stadium club with the under 18's runaway leaders and the under 14s doing well as well, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ramsgate's under eighteen's strengthened their position at the top of the Southern division of the MUSH Kent Youth League on Sunday by brushing aside a spirited Deal Town side that battled to the end, and opened up a nine point lead over their nearest challengers, Whitstable Town.

Although the Rams were the better side throughout, surprisingly it took them twenty minutes for them to take the lead on what was a very heavy pitch, making good football virtually impossible.  However, by half-time Ramsgate led 2-0 with goals from Oliver Donohoe and George McEwan.

In the second half Ramsgate stepped up the pressure and further goals came from Donohoe and McEwan as well as a brace from Ross Howell and one from captain Keiran Howells, to give a full-time tally of seven goals to nil.

After the game Ramsgate manager John Vahid confirmed :"It was one of those games that the result was not in doubt, just the scoreline.

"The title is definitely in sight with four league matches to go, three of which are at home, and our closest rivals still to play each other.

"In the County Cup we have a mouth watering fourth round tie away to Whitstable Town at the end of February."

Next Sunday, 13th February, Ramsgate's under eighteen's are at home to Bearsted (11am).

Ramsgate:    Lance Riordan; Chris Verdicchio (Lee Campany 46); James Grainger (Joe Molinuex 80); Clayton Barnett; Emlyn Taylor; Kireran Morris (Capt); T. McArthur; Oliver Donohoe; George McEwan; Ross Howells; Ben Kerslake (Nathan Jeffreys 74);.   Sub: Neil Hoggart

Meanwhile, the club's under fourteen's extended their current unbeaten run to seven games with another impressive home performance, this time beating Canterbury City 5-0.

Ramsgate took the lead on 20 minutes after some good early pressure by the visitors.  Captain Ashley Groombridge again led by example, this time firing home from just outside the box.  The Rams then doubled their lead just before the break through a Ben Greenstreet header.

It could have been a tricky second half but a few changes from manager Andy Woodcock moved Joe Setterfield into a more attacking role.  

Within ten minutes man of the match Ryan Regan had released Setterfield, who calmly finished past the Canterbury goalkeeper.  

Settlefield then went on to complete a second half hat-trick to secure three valuable points to keep the Rams' run going.

The previous week, the young Rams picked up an excellent point away to league leaders Chatham Town, who until then had only dropped three points all season.

The Rams took the lead from a tremendous effort by captain Groombridge who, having collected the ball some 30-yards out, beat one opponent before turning and curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the goal to rattle the home side.

Ramsgate, however, kept their lead well into the second half before another fine goal levelled the game.  With both sides having opportunities to secure all three points, a draw was a fair result.

Ramsgate's u14's travel to local rivals Herne Bay on Sunday.