Player didn't tell us he was cup-tied, admit Rams

Monday 02nd April 2007

Ramsgate’s place in the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup was taken by Tonbridge Angels – and the Rams explained today why they were thrown out of the competition, writes Stephen McCartney.

Tonbridge Angels were drawn away to Maidstone United in a mouth-watering semi-final clash, while Ashford Town welcome Bromley in the other tie. Striker Akwasi Edusei had scored a brace for Welling United during their 3-0 first round win over Dartford back in November.

And he scored the only goal of the game when the Rams defeated bogey side Tonbridge Angels in their quarter-final meeting fourteen days ago.

“Ramsgate have been excluded from the semi-final draw for the Kent Senior Cup for using an ineligible player in their quarter-final victory against Tonbridge Angels,” said their statement.

“As soon as the club discovered that Akwasi Edusei was cup-tied, having played for Welling in an earlier round of the competition, they contacted the Kent FA to confirm that he had also played for the Rams.

”Unfortunately neither Akwasi nor his agent had revealed this when he signed his contract, or when he was selected for the Tonbridge game.

“Having obtained the player from Walton & Hersham in December, it was surprising to learn that he had played in the cup for Welling in December.

“The rules of the competition state that if a club plays an ineligible player then they can be removed if the cup committee decide that the reason is not good enough, and can also take other punitive measures against the club concerned.

“The Kent FA have not acknowledged or replied to the club’s letter, nor charged the club, but called Rams boss Jim Ward on Friday to advise him that Tonbridge would replace the Rams in the draw on Radio Kent that evening but that no further action would be taken against the club.”

Meanwhile, Ramsgate would like to remind fans that their game against Bromley takes place at Southwood Stadium on Good Friday, 6^th April (3pm).

Viist Ramsgate's website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk