Kentish Football 
The FA Trophy is massively important for clubs at our level, says Ramsgate boss Tim Dixon
The Rams defeated Aylesbury United 1-0 in the last round and now look forward to a game against their league rivals Three Bridges in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday.
Ramsgate have climbed up to eighth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 23 points from 15 games and are only one point behind fifth-placed side Crawley Down Gatwick.
Three Bridges, meanwhile, arrive at Southwood Stadium sitting in the bottom six, having collected four wins and three draws from their 13 league outings.
“We’re expecting just another tough game really,” said Dixon.
“Three Bridges are in our league. Some people say it’s a good draw. Sometimes it’s better not playing familiar teams.
“It will be another Ryman League team and we’ll approach it the same way as we would a cup game.
“We want to go out there and try to win the game.”
Ramsgate have not played the Surrey side yet in the league this season – but Dixon will be all clued up on their opponents before kick-off.
“We know a few people who have played against them,” said Dixon.
“They’ve got a few familiar faces and names as well from last year so we do know a little bit about them but we won’t take nothing for granted though. We’ll prepare in the right way.
When asked the importance of having a run in The FA Trophy, Dixon replied: “Massively important for clubs at our level as every manager would say.
“We didn’t do very well in The FA Cup – we fell away at the first hurdle away to Hastings. We haven’t had much luck with draws.
“We had a great result away from home at Aylesbury United in the last round in The Trophy and it’s something that we need to build on.
“It’s a great competition, the FA Trophy. You’re playing non-league football teams. A lot of them are in the same boat as you and it gives you a chance to get through a couple of rounds to pit yourself against a really, really good side.”
Conference South clubs enter the fray in the next round, whilst Conference Premier clubs come in at the First Round.
The Rams banked £2,700 for beating the Ducks in the last round and will scoop another £3,250 if they win at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Dixon reflected on the club’s league position going into the dark winter months.
He said: “We’re in the right area. Like other teams we feel we should have got a few more points. We’ve probably played a couple of games where other teams should have got a little bit more out of us.
“It hasn’t been as consistent as I would have hoped for. We’ve had a couple of poor performances but table wise and where we are in the league, in a maybe in a months’ time will be a true reflection where we want to be but at this moment in time we’re quite happy where we are.”
Ryman League clubs must play 46 league games each after the decision to extend all three divisions to 24 clubs each.
Dixon said: “It’s a bigger burden for teams with the extra teams in the league. If you do well in cup competitions you have to fit those games in as well.
“It’s important to have a little bit of depth in your squad because we do play a lot of games. With games come injuries and suspensions as well so you have to dig a little bit deeper at times into the squad. It’s not about the starting eleven. It’s about the 15, 16, 17 players that you need.”
Meanwhile, Margate welcome Carlor (Southern League) Division One South & West side Clevedon Town to Hartsdown Park in The FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Qualifying Round on Saturday.
Former Ramsgate favourite Edd Vahid is likely to turn out for Clevedon Town at the weekend, having signed for the Somerset based outfit in June 2013.
Visit Ramsgate’s website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk
Ramsgate v Three Bridges
The FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 2nd November 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN
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