We must find our shooting boots, says Ward

Wednesday 26th August 2009

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he’s feeling frustrated as his side are not converting the many chances that they create, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams go into Saturday’s FA Cup preliminary round tie at Combined Counties League side Guildford City, sitting in 14th place in the Ryman League Division One South table, having picked up one win and two draws from their opening four league games.

“We’re disappointed,” admitted Ward, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this afternoon.

“We thought we could have won the four games. I know the other teams would be saying the same, but our play has been good. We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made, pleased with the players that we’ve signed.

“We’re playing some smashing football, but not really getting the results. It is frustrating but we go into the FA Cup on Saturday and we’re looking forward to that.”

The Rams have scored four - and conceded four - during their opening four games.

“I’m obviously concerned that we’re not scoring more goals,” said Ward. “We’re creating more chances than we’ve ever created. The forwards are alright, they’re playing well but we need to be a lot more prolific in front of goal.”

Ward takes his side to the Spectrum Arena, which has a running track around the football pitch and seating for 120 spectators on Saturday, admitting that he doesn’t know anything about their FA Cup opponents.

“I don’t know anything and that’s not like us as we’re normally prepared,” replied Ward.

“We haven’t been able to do much homework on them, because of the fixtures. No doubt we’ll do a bit more by Saturday.”

“Losing? That’s the last thing we want to do. The chairman would be delighted to get the money out of the FA Cup and the players want to stay in it obviously.”

When asked which players have impressed him so far this season, Ward replied, “Well, Will Graham was given the task of being the big, ugly centre half, and even though he’s been playing with a dodgy hamstring, I had to leave him out last night because of that, he’s done ever so we..

“A couple of new signings, Liam Quinn, who I got from Whitstable and Jason Dolby from London, they’ve done extremely well since they’re at a new club.”

Ramsgate were held to a 1-1 draw to Chipstead at Southwood Stadium last night - and Ward insists there is still a lot more to come from his side.

“Had it been a boxing match, they would have stopped it,” he said. “We missed umpteen chances, umpteen chances, so very, very disappointing.

“Everybody was saying Croydon (Athletic) were going to run away with it, but they’ve slipped up the last two games as well.

“We’re as good as anybody else in this division - we just have to get our act together a little bit better than we are.”

Flying winger, Sam Jones, begins the first of his three match suspension for getting sent off during the opening day win over Fleet Town.

Ward added: “I’ve got plenty of personnel to choose from so we’ll go training tomorrow night and see the reaction from last night and we’ll pick the squad accordingly.”

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

Guildford City v Ramsgate

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Preliminary Round

Saturday 29th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Spectrum Leisure Centre, Parkway, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1UP