We're fighting to keep our heads above water, admits Ward

RAMSGATE have completed the loan signing of goalkeeper Jamie Turner, 28, ahead of Saturday’s make-or-break Thanet showdown against Margate, writes Stephen McCartney.

Turner arrives from Blue Square South outfit Welling United, where he fell out of favour with boss Andy Ford, having lost his place to Clark Masters.

Turner has also played for Greenwich Borough, Horsham, Gravesend & Northfleet and Tonbridge Angels and will be a tower of strength for Saturday’s passion-filled encounter.

Usually fighting for play-off positions, both Thanet sides are struggling towards the bottom of the Ryman Premier League table.

Ramsgate go into the game on 19 points from 22 games and only have Hendon and Heybridge Swifts below them in the table.

Margate, meanwhile, are one place and one point above the relegation zone, in eighteenth place.

Things appeared to be going well for the Rams at Maidstone United last weekend as goals from Ryan Royston and Ben Brown put them into a 2-0 lead at Bourne Park.

But a brace from Lloyd Blackman and Elliot Bradbrook’s flick ensured the Rams came away pointless, leaving assistant manager Danny Ward frustrated.

“We’ve got ourselves in some stupid position,” admitted the younger Ward brother, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk last weekend.

“We’re fighting to keep our heads above water - but there’s still twenty games to go, there’s plenty of time.”

This is a new experience for Danny and Jim Ward as their side are normally challenging at the other end of the table.

“To be honest, I don’t know what to do with myself,” said Danny. “I’ve spoken about it and I’ve never been in this position before.

“We keep asking do we need to bring new players in, players out (because) we’ve got a wage structure that we have to stick to.

“The chairman’s been excellent but he’s got to be an exceptional player to get into the side because it’s alright. It’s just not happening.”

Turner is an exceptional goalkeeper and Danny believes he will help shore up a defence that have conceded 45 goals in 22 games - the worst record in the division.

“What we could do with is a couple of games that are not good for anybody, a couple of 1-0 wins and that will do me,” added Danny.

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

Visit Margate’s website:  www.margate-fc.com

Ramsgate v Margate
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 27^th December 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN