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Welford shows his class

DESPITE one of the best team performances in recent weeks, Sevenoaks Town went out of the Go Travel Kent League Cup in extra time on Saturday.

A goal from former Dover Athletic striker Shaun Welford nine minutes from time was just enough to keep Jim Ward's Ramsgate on course for a league and cup double this season.

Sevenoaks, with Gary Davies and Julian Leigh in charge of team affairs following the resignation of John James, started well, although chances for the home team were few and far between.

The best chance falling midway through the half when another former Dover Athletic striker, Gary Wood latched onto Andy Constable's flicked header but goalkeeper Danny Twyman, who recovered from a neck injury sustained in their win at Maidstone United seven days earlier, was quick off his line and smothered the shot.

At the other end Darren Smart saved brilliant from Ramsgate's ace striker Mo Takaloo and had to get down well at his near post from another Welford effort.

With both team's defences looking solid openings were few and far between.  Welford shot across the face of the goal when well placed and Cramp, who worked tirelessly throughout shot into the side netting.

Ramsgate lost former Margate striker Takaloo after a superb tackle from Ollie Young and had to re-organise their game plan.  However, they didn't cause a threat to the home goal.

As the game entered extra time both sides played with caution with perhaps the more possession going to the home side.

With a penalty shoot out looming Ramsgate finally broke the deadlock.  A long clearance from central defender Ollie Schulz dropped over the head of Young as Smart advanced from his line Welford showed his class by lifting his shot over the goalkeeper and into the net.

To their credit Sevenoaks kept plugging away and with seconds remaining Twyman had to be quick off his line to flick the ball away from the onrushing Constable.

With Sevenoaks joint-manager Gary Davies using his contacts to strengthen the side in time for Tuesday's trip to North Dane Way to play VCD Athletic, Julian Leigh added: "I think on the balance of play and chances Ramsgate shaded it.

"That said, our work rate and commitment was superb but we really only created perhaps one maybe two openings in 120 minutes of football, which at this level is not good enough.

"We are playing VCD on Tuesday in our next league game when our new singings will be available for selection so over the next couple of games we will be looking for a good response from the team."


Sevenoaks Town: Smart, Gibson, Young, Waters, Miles, Balmer (Hart), Aldridge, Forster, Cramp, Constable, Wood (Percy)  Subs: Whitty, Nicholl, Reeves


GO TRAVEL KENT LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CUP
Semi-Final draw

Ramsgate  v  Thamesmead Town (holders)
Herne Bay  v  Hythe Town

GO TRAVEL KENT LEAGUE RESERVE DIVISION CUP
Semi-Final draw

Beckenham Town  v  Slade Green
Bromley                   v  Sevenoaks Town

(all ties consist of two-legged matches, and will be played throughout March)