We've got to get this show on the road, says stunned Ramsgate boss Jim Ward

Monday 23rd August 2010

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he was surprised just how good Walton & Hersham were after their sorry 3-0 away defeat to John Crumplin’s side, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams got their Ryman League Division One South campaign to the worst possible start as goals from Adrian Butler, Ray Powell and Nick Barnes sent the Rams crashing to the foot of the table after just one game.

“We’re at the wrong end of the table, it’s certainly a body blow to everybody, because our pre-season’s gone great,” Ward told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We played Hastings, Folkestone, Billericay, we won one, drew one and lost one and played ever so good football against them, three quality sides who I think we’ll be up there at the end.

“We went into Saturday’s game with loads of optimism, now whether we got the players too optimistic or not I don’t know, but we certainly got beat Saturday and deservedly got beat.

“Three-nil might have flattered them a little bit, but we didn’t deserve much out of the game at all.

“But I’ve got to give credit to Walton & Hersham and John’s got a decent squad up there and he’s spent a few bob. He’s signed Nick Barnes before the game, he also got Ray Powell and Dean Ruddy, who know the Premier never mind the Southern Division, so I knew before I went there that they are a money team.

“I was a bit surprised how good and organised they are so maybe I’ve given myself a disfavour, maybe they will be one of the teams up there at the end of the season.”

Chipstead, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by reprieved Eastbourne Town at the weekend, arrive at Southwood Stadium on Tuesday night and Ward demands a positive reaction in front of his own fans.

“There will be a few harsh words before the game, there were after the game on Saturday, over-confidence, call it what you may,” said Ward.

“Chipstead drew Saturday with a man sent-off but I don’t care who we play tomorrow night. We’ve got to get this show on the road. We will be up for it tomorrow and Saturday. We’ve got Godalming, who will be a big test for us in the FA Cup.”

Godalming were only 90 minutes away from clinching promotion last season, but they were defeated by Folkestone Invicta in the play-off final at Cheriton Road last May.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s FA Cup preliminary round tie at Southwood Stadium, Ward says it will be a very tough game.

“If we beat them, we’ve got Metropolitan Police,” said the Scot. “Both of them are favourites for our division. Both of them have spent good money again over the summer, Met Police especially.

“It’s a couple of years now since we had a decent Cup run. Last year and the year before we went out early. Four or five years ago we got to the first round proper and that’s everybody’s dreamm, but there’s a couple of stiff tests in front of us before we can dream about that.”

Ward has snapped up three players following Ashford Town sad demise, with striker Mark Lovell, midfielder Mitchell Sherwood and defender Lee Hockey joining the club.

Ward said: “I’ve always had a car that have come from the Medway towns or London and we’ve got another car load. They were probably the three best players at Ashford.

“The reason why I’ve signed Lee Hockey is because Will Graham is probably out (a few more weeks) so I needed an extra defender and he became available so we’ll take that.”

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

Ramsgate v Chipstead

Ryman League Division One South

Tuesday 24th August 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

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