If we apply ourselves in the right way we can cause an upset, says Ramsgate boss Tim Dixon

RAMSGATE boss Tim Dixon says his side are looking forward to their massive FA Carlsberg Trophy tie at Sutton United on Saturday.



The Rams have climbed up to tenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, with 18 points from 12 games.

The Thanet side extended their unbeaten run to four games following their Kent Senior Cup epic against Kent Invicta League side Hollands & Blair on Tuesday night.

Long-serving stalwart, Warren Schulz, in his testimonial season, had a memorable Second Round tie as he scored four goals in an excellent 4-4 draw after 90 minutes.

Referee Paul Yates awarded FIVE penalties during the 90 minutes, which were all scored.  Schulz scored two, while Michael Jenner scored a hat-trick from the penalty spot for Hollands & Blair, as ten-man Ramsgate, who had keeper Shannon Harris red-carded, won 4-3 on penalties.

But Dixon said: “I’m just disappointed that it had to go to extra-time to be honest with you.”

Dixon revealed that central defender Dean Hill was forced off at half-time due to a whack to his foot, but Ben Laslett, Ashley Miller and Tom Axford all return for Saturday’s trip to Gander Green Lane.

He said: “No-one else got injured. I’ve got to look after the lads now. We’ve got a very, very tough tie at Sutton United on Saturday.  My concern is to get everyone back.”

Sutton United are suffering second season syndrome after finishing in the play-offs in Blue Square Bet (Conference) South last season.

The Surrey side face the Rams sitting in the bottom five, with 16 points from 15 games.

But Dixon said: “It’s a massive game for the club.

“I think we’re one of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition.  It’s been a good effort this year in the Trophy, there’s no expectancy levels on us. There’s no pressure on the lads’ whatsoever.  We can go in as underdogs, enjoy the game and looking at the FA Cup results last weekend upsets are there to be made if you apply yourself in the right way, you can cause one.

“We’ll go there and have a good day out and hopefully put in a good performance for the Ryman League.”

Meanwhile, Chatham Town, who staged Tuesday night’s epic, have received some good news following their Second Round exit at the hands of Charlton Athletic on 24 October.

The Valley outfit won the game 2-0, courtesy of goals from Bradley Johnson and Roben Bover, in front of a crowd of 352 at Maidstone Road.

A statement from the Ryman League Division One North club said: “The club would like to put on record our official thanks to Charlton Athletic Football Club for their magnificent gesture of donating back to the Chats their share of the gate proceeds as well as not charging for their travel, which under the terms and conditions of the competition they are fully entitled to claim.

“We would like to thank our friends at the Valley and wish them well for the rest of the season.”

Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Sutton United  v  Ramsgate
The FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 10^th November 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Surrey SM1 2EY