Hanworth Villa will be a tough opponent, warns Ramsgate boss Lloyd Blackman

RAMSGATE boss Lloyd Blackman says Hanworth Villa will be a tough opponent in The FA Cup Preliminary Round tomorrow.

 

The Rams go into the game sitting in fifteenth-place in the Bostik South league table having lost 3-1 at home to Phoenix Sports on the opening day of the season, before coming away from Faversham Town with a 2-1 win in midweek.

“After our disappointing start to the season last Saturday against Phoenix Sports, where we were missing several players, it was important on Tuesday night we put in a positive performance and I couldn’t have been happier,” said Blackman.

“I think we should’ve won by more and the 2-1 scoreline could’ve and should’ve been more.”

Ramsgate welcome Hanworth Villa to Southwood Stadium and Blackman knows what The FA Cup can do for club’s and players alike.

The winners of Preliminary Round ties will scoop £1,925 in prize money.

Blackman, a striker, said: “Personally, I’ve had an up and down career in The FA Cup. However, my experience whilst at Bromley has imprinted memories I’ll never forget.  That’s what I’ll be telling my players tomorrow.

“It’s unlike any other competition because we’ve seen non-league teams progress to later rounds over the years and for a club like ours it would financially be wonderful.”

Hanworth Villa, based near Feltham, play one level lower than Ramsgate in the Combined Counties League Premier Division.

They thrashed Bedfont & Feltham 5-0 in The FA Cup Preliminary Round before drawing 1-1 at Walton & Hersham and winning 3-0 at home to North Greenford United in midweek.

Blackman said: “Hanworth Villa will be a tough opponent. They’ve had a solid start to their season and although I’ve been to see them, it’s difficult going into a game not knowing an awful lot about our opposition but if we are able to pick up from where we left off at Faversham on Tuesday then I have every confidence my players will get a positive result.”

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

Ramsgate  v  Hanworth Villa
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 19^th August 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN