Ramsgate joint-boss Danny Ward: With the amount of money that some clubs in our league are spending, we will not go down that line and we will give youth a chance if they are good enough

RAMSGATE joint-manager Danny Ward says his side do not need motivating for Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly against bitter rivals Margate.

The two neighbouring clubs lock horns twice over pre-season to contest The Thanet Cup, with the second leg taking place at Ramsgate’s Southwood Stadium later on in the pre-season campaign on Friday 29 July.

Ramsgate completed their Ryman League Division One South campaign in a disappointing 12^th place in the table, while Margate escaped relegation from the Vanarama National League South by the skin of their teeth, finishing in the bottom five.

“Saturday’s match probably comes a week too early in our pre-season plans but there will be no problem in getting the players up and motivates for a local derby,” said Ward.

“We have completed six very hard training sessions already so it will be very interesting to see where our fitness levels are against a team two divisions ahead of us.”

The Rams will give players a chance to impress the Ward brothers ahead of their league opening game on Saturday 13 August.

Ward said: “Our two new signings, George Crimmen and Peter Wedgeworth (signed from league rivals Sittingbourne and Walton Casuals respectively) and also a few of our excellent youth players, which we have coming through our youth system will play.

“With the amount of money that some clubs in our league are spending, we as a club will not go down that line and we will give youth a chance if they are good enough.

“Our captain Joe Kane and also Jake McKenzie will miss the match, which is not ideal but opens up an opportunity for someone to win their shirts but to be honest I would rather they missed Saturday rather than on the 13 August when the real action starts.

“I’m gutted that I will miss the match but I’m going to my sister-in-law’s wedding but I’m sure I will be kept informed of what is happening!”

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Margate  v  Ramsgate
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 9^th July 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ