League positions in a Kent derby don't really matter much, says Ramsgate boss Tim Dixon

The Rams are in the top eight in the Ryman League Division One South table, having won seven and drawn two of their opening 15 league outings.

They welcome a Sittingbourne side that arrive at Southwood Stadium in the bottom seven, with five wins and a draw from their fourteen league games.

Ramsgate warmed up to their Kent derby with a 4-1 victory their league rivals Three Bridges in The FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round last weekend.

“Very good. It was another really good performance from the lads in The Trophy,” said Dixon.

“It was a bit of a funny game for us first 45 minutes – the wind was blowing over Kent that day so it didn’t make for pretty football.

“After a half-time downpour which started when we went in for half-time and finished when we came out so that was timed perfect.

“Second half we managed to get the ball down and started playing football. The pitch was in fantastic condition and it was a good second half from the boys.”

Leading goalscorers, James Everitt (11 goals) and Ian Pulman (8) both got on the scoresheet against the Sussex outfit.

“Ratty (Everitt) has been suspended for three games so we missed him but on Saturday he had an unusual role of playing at right-back, which he done brilliantly well.

“We had to reshuffle the pack around with a few bad injuries and he stepped up and took a penalty.

“The other strikers are firing as well, so good all round at the moment.”

Sittingbourne player-manager and former Ram, Nick Davis, wants his side to claim their first back-to-back away wins of the season after winning their first away game with a 3-0 win at Crawley Down Gatwick last weekend.

Dixon said: “League positions in a Kent derby don’t really matter much to be honest with you.

“It’s another Kent derby and all the other managers of the other teams will tell you these are difficult games for us because we tend to know eachother’s players so they’re very difficult players whether it’s Sittingbourne, Hythe or Faversham or whoever, it’s always a difficult game.”

Ramsgate are only three points adrift of fifth-placed Guernsey.

“We’re in the right area at the moment,” said a satisfied Dixon.

“I don’t think it will pan out until Christmas time. We have to keep there within the pack so we’re close come the turn of the New Year.

“We’re pleased where we are. We maybe could have picked up a few more points - but we didn’t.

“We have to make sure after Christmas we go on a decent run like we did last season – when we picked up most of our points.

“I’ve already spoken to the boys about that – a bit more consistency in our play and we should be ok.”

Dixon revealed that he has been thwarted in his hopes of bringing in a couple of new players to the club.

“I’m always looking to bring players in,” he said.

“I’ve had a couple of seven-day notices go in to other clubs but the players’ have decided to stay where they are and fair play to them because they’re showing loyalty.

“They’re good lads and they’ve got good managers so they didn’t want to change.

“It’s not for the want of trying. It’s very difficult to attract players down to Ramsgate. I’m always looking to improve the squad.”

Dixon declined to name the identities of his targets.

“No! It’s not fair,” he said. “It didn’t happen so it’s not fair on them. They’re both very good lads who I’ve been following for some time, not just in the recent months, but over last season as well.

“They’re both Kent boys so they’re staying where they are and I wish them all the best.”

Dixon confirmed his targets for the rest of the league campaign.

He said: “I think at the beginning of the season you’d like to think you’d win the league, but there’s a couple of strong sides in the league this year.

“If we make the play-offs you have very chance of getting up so we want to be amongst the top five at the end of the season in no particular order.”

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

Ramsgate  v  Sittingbourne
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 9^th November 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN