Thanet tussle is a great occasion for the fans, says Ward - EXCLUSIVE

Monday 24th December 2007

Ramsgate make the 4.1 mile stroll across Thanet to lock horns with Margate at Hartsdown Park – and Jim Ward believes the Battle of Thanet is a great occasion for both sets of supporters, writes Stephen McCartney.
“It’s a massive day for the fans, the players and everyone connected with the club,” Ward said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“First of all the fans, we’re building up a great base at Southwood. They’re all signing their heads off, which was evident against AFC Wimbledon and the players really appreciate it.”

Ward added: “I imagine it will be no different on Wednesday.”

Ramsgate were held to a 1-1 draw against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend, despite having enough chances to beat the giants.

Steffan Ball drove a right-footed penalty late in the first half wide of the left-post but skipper Warren Schulz scored his sixth goal of the season in the 50^th minute to give the red side of Thanet some Christmas cheer.

But striker Jon Main, 26, who scored 20 goals for Tonbridge Angels before his switch to AFC Wimbledon, opened his account for his new club with thirteen minutes remaining.

Ward knows his players need no motivating for the Hartsdown Park Boxing Day showdown.

“Ramsgate are always up for every game and they can’t get themselves higher for the Wimbledon game so you have to put that all in perspective,” said Ward.

“It’s certainly not like any other game. My players know more people in the crowd watching, than people watching Margate.”

But Ward warns his players about a reaction from Margate, especially after their 5-1 defeat at Chelmsford City at the weekend.

“They won’t lie down will they?” he said. “They’re like any other human beings, no-one likes a hiding so they’ll go into the game and I’d imagine they’ll be positive playing at home.”

The Rams are confident, following their draw against the Dons on Saturday, and Ward added: “We were unlucky. I felt we should have won the game – we done enough to win it.”

Stuart Vahid has now completed his one-match ban so Ward is at full strength for the Boxing Day bonanza, although Sam Vallance is a long-term absentee with an ankle ligament injury.

“Hopefully the weather stays nice, let’s hope both clubs give the fans something to shout about – especially Ramsgate,” said Ward.

Neil Cugley brings his struggling Folkestone Invicta side to Southwood Stadium next Saturday.

Only highly-rated Staines Town have won at Southwood Stadium in a Ryman Premier League fixture this season, and Ward wants to keep that record going.

“We’re at home, they’re below in the table, we expect to beat them,” said Ward.

“If we’re going to fulfil our ambitions we must beat all the teams below us when we’re at home.”

Segregation arrangements for Margate v Ramsgate:

All Ramsgate fans will only be able to enter the ground through the Tivoli Park Avenue turnstiles. Turnstiles open at 11:30am for the 1pm kick off.

At the end of the match there will be no exit into Hartsdown Road for Ramsgate fans and no exit through the park to Tivoli Park Avenue for Margate fans.

Therefore, if travelling by car, Rams fans must park on Tivoli Park Avenue and not Hartsdown Road as they will not be allowed to exit into Hartsdown Road directly after the match.

Visit club websites:

www.margate-fc.com

www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Margate v Ramsgate
Ryman Premier League
Boxing Day, Wednesday 26^th December 2007
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QX