Sittingbourne are the dark horses for the play-off's - Ward

Wednesday 27th January 2010

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says his side’s next opponents are an outside bet of clinching a place in the Ryman League Division One South play-off’s, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ramsgate were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup by bogey side Tonbridge Angels last night and look forward to their league clash against Gary Abbott’s Sittingbourne at Southwood Stadium at the weekend.

Sittingbourne go into the game on the back of a mixed week. Last weekend they thumped Corinthian-Casuals 4-1 at Bourne Park, but followed that up with a surprise defeat away to lowly Metropolitan Police last night.

Eighth-placed Ramsgate go into the game sitting six points adrift of fifth-placed side Fleet Town, whilst the Brickies are three places lower, with a couple less points.

“I think it will be a more difficult task on Saturday, I really do,” Ward told www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night.

“Sittingbourne are a strong team, they will definitely be in the play-off’s or around the play-off’s.

“They look to be one of the dark horses in the division. I think they will be up there.

“Gary Abbott’s got them well organised, he’s got some good players.”

Goals from Paul Booth and Liam Baker ensured Tonbridge Angels progressed into the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Cup, as a rare goal from Kenny Pratt - a half-time substitute - wasn't enough on a bitterly cold night at a sparse Longmead Stadium.

Tommy Warrilow’s Angels are ruing the loss off 18-goal striker Carl Rook, who signed for league rivals Dartford for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Tonbridge chairman Steve Churcher said last night that the club’s record transfer signing (from Horsham back in December 2007) has been sold to their Kent rivals to balance the books.

But Ward speaking last night says he has no sympathy for his opposite number, who has been forced to slash his budget to save the west Kent club from going bust.

“Listen, I took a lad (Zak Thomas) from Sunday football last week and put him on the bench,” said Ward, who cannot afford players like Rook.

“I’ve no sympathy for these clubs who have to deal with these players because they’ve all had these players.

“I’ve had to groom mine all the years that I’ve been in this game. All my players are all through Kent. I’ve got no sympathy with teams that have to let players go.”

Ward will be without two of his central defenders for the Kent derby, as Will Graham and Jason Dolby are both suspended.

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

Ramsgate v Sittingbourne

Ryman League Division One South

Saturday 30th January 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN