Rams ready to upset much-fancied trio

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward is relishing the chance of upsetting sides that are tipped to clinch the Ryman Premier League title this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Thanet side kick-off their campaign with a home game against Essex giants AFC Hornchurch on Saturday before travelling to a Sutton United side that’s gunning for a return to the Blue Square South at the first attempt, on Tuesday night.

And after travelling to Boreham Wood, the Rams play their first Kent derby of the season, at home to title-chasing Tonbridge Angels on August Bank Holiday Monday, 25^th August.

“I’ve got three of the four favourites and Boreham Wood may have something to say about that,” Ward told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Looking ahead to the Urchins’ visit on Saturday, Ward said: “I think we played them four times last year because we had one game abandoned because of the weather.

“We played them twice in the League and the League Cup (which we won). They’re all tight games, Colin McBride’s got a good side down there, he’s nicked one of my old players, Steffan Ball (who has signed from Sutton United).

“We’re ready so we’ll give it our best go on Saturday as normal.”

Despite losing trio Dean Hill, Sam Jones and Ollie Schulz to their league rivals Dover Athletic, Ward is pleased with his fully-fit 21-man squad.

“We lost them and we also needed strength elsewhere in my opinion so that’s what we done,” explained Ward.

“We’ve brought a lot of potential and the potential has got to come forward to the fore - but I think we’re ready.

“We’re certainly stronger in depth than we were this time last year and also a lot of the lads have got another year’s experience under their belts.”

The Rams certainly relish an opportunity to lock horns with the likes of AFC Hornchurch and Sutton United and Ward’s main focus is to keep Southwood Stadium a fortress.

“Without a doubt, they’ve got a few bob,” said Ward. “This year there’s not two outstanding clubs (Chelmsford City and AFC Wimbledon) like last year.

“Everyone’s off on a level footing. Someone may get away, Sutton and Dover might be stronger than everyone else, may have more resources than everyone else.

“I think there’s a lot of well organised clubs, Tonbridge will be well organised.”

And after losing at Staines Town in last season’s play-off semi-finals, Ward feels his side have gained the respect that they deserve.

“I think we’re a respected member of the Ryman Premier League and it’s amazing how far this club has come in four or five years,” he said.

“There’s a lot of work to be achieved before we take part in the play-off’s. Lets see where we are at Christmas, it certain won’t be through the fact of not being fit or organised.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be making our first visit to Southwood Stadium to cover this match.

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

Ramsgate v AFC Hornchurch
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 16^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN