By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Horndean 1 Ramsgate 0
Tommy Scutt (59)
A dismal day and not just the weather, a pitch that resembled a farmer’s field and a Deans side looking to prove something are all the recipe for a Rams defeat.
Rams get us underway playing down hill in the first half, there being quite a variation in the level.
Rams start off quite brightly with a great run down the left wing from Joe Turner, the final ball in not so great as he slips. Even in the opening few minutes players are slipping and sliding on the very wet surface.
The Deans already seeming to have a tactical advantage on their home surface as Connor Duffin fires just wide after chasing a long ball, turning the Rams defence, allowing Duffin the space to go into.
Nine minutes in and Deans attack down the right flank. A good low cross comes into the area from Daniel Sibley forcing Tom Hadler into action, collecting in front of the oncoming attackers.
Rams are playing a dangerous game with the high line as Deans are looking to exploit this at every opportunity with balls over the top forcing defenders to try and turn and chase the attackers, often leaving Rams one on one at the back with little or no cover.
Rams finally push forward after a sustained spell of Deans pressure, Jordan Green down the right breaks a tackle, comes into a central position, passes to Tijan Jadama, who’s shot is blocked, rebounds back to Green, he shoots but Cameron Scott saves with his legs.
Rams looking a little more settled but this is not the surface for close passing even though Rams are trying to persevere with their game. Deans are getting men behind the ball and are putting themselves between the goal and the ball.
Green goes again making in roads down the right but Cade Dyer, the left back, is preventing crosses coming in and stopping Green.
Rams have a very short spell of pressure squandered in the end as Jack Paxman fires well over the crossbar. On each occasion Rams have managed to get a ball into the danger area they have been blocked or fluffed their lines. Freekicks played in just seem to be dropping all Deans way. Although a couple of close-range shots have forced reaction saves from Scott in the Deans goal.
Deans are persistent with the ball over the top and keep creating good opportunities, perhaps Rams should try the same tactic, no they will continue to play tip-tap football.
Deans Duffin and Zachary Willett are causing the Rams defence all sorts of problems as they take it in turns to make the forward runs, both going through forcing Hadler to save.
Rams are really struggling with the conditions, as Joe Taylor is unlucky with a couple of opportunities. When Rams do have the chances either Chad Field or Matthew Kellett-Smith seem to be there pre-empting the Rams play.
Just on the stroke of half-time, after another ball forward, Jack Paxman with two attackers coming at him is in the wrong position to make a challenge on Willett who goes down in the box for a Deans penalty. Willett strikes the pen saved by Hadler low to his right, Paxman quickest to react is then fouled and Rams are able to clear. With scores remaining nil all at the half-time break, Deans being the unluckier of the two sides not to score.
The light drizzle has continued throughout, at least it’s not heavy enough to abandon the game but it has lead to a rather dour affair.
A poor start to the second half as neither side seem to be able to keep the ball or their feet.
Deans Scott is having a wonderful game in the Deans goal, a few point blank reaction saves and punching away any Rams corner or freekick, which have been delivered superbly by Lee Martin right under the crossbar with a group of players surrounding Scott.
Deans are mounting more and more pacey attacks as we are approaching the hour mark, Jack Paxman outpaced down the wing crossed in and Alex Brevo clears up for the Rams. The Deans players are really up for this challenge.
Fifty sixth, Rams mount an attack, a ball played for Jadama central position, he goes forward, shoots and again his effort is blocked, Rams have had a few chances but not capitalised on any of them.
Deans go again as Willett chases another ball played over the top, this time being caught from behind he goes down, a freekick central just outside the Rams box. Duffin shoots into the wall out for a corner. The ball played low toward the near post, Tommy Scutt gets in front of his marker and glances a header beyond Hadler and into the net, to give Deans a just deserved lead.
Rams react making a couple of changes, with Jack Paxman being replaced by Benni Bioletti and Lee Martin by Bode Anidugbe, although bringing on fresh legs, it’s not changed the formation or style of play.
Rams are wave after wave going forward now in an attempt to get a goal back but Deans are defending with such vigour, there appears no way through for the Rams.
On the night it was the Deans that managed to tame an out of sorts Rams performance, this was not the surface for the Rams style of play, as they slip to second in the table after Cray Valley PM won.
It’s going to be a fascinating run in and Rams are well worth watching the next games are listed below.
Attendance: 110
RFSA Player of the match: Tom Hadler
The Teams:
DEANS:1Cameron Scott, 2Robert Taw, 3Cade Dyer, 4Rudi Blankson, 5Matthew Kellet-Smith , 6Chad Field, 7Daniel Sibley, 8Freddie Chester, 9Connor Duffin , 10Tommy Scutt, 11Zackary Willett
Subs: 12Harry Jackson, 14Liam Callaghan, 15Aaron O’Brien, 16Jafer Muhammad kier, 17Brandon Miller
RAMS: 1Tom Hadler, 11Alfie Paxman, 4Alex Brefo, 5Craig Stone , 8Jack A Paxman, 9Joe Taylor, 10Jordan Green, 15Lee Martin , 12Matthew Attenborough-Warren , 19Joe Turner, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs: 6Bode Anidugbe, 3Jack Parter, 7Benny Bioletti, 17Medy Elito, 18Sinnkaye Christie.
Ramsgate next in action:
Sat 23 Mar H Lancing Isthmian South East 3pm
Tue 26 Mar A East Grinstead Town Isthmian South East 7.30pm
Fri 29 Mar A Littlehampton Town Isthmian South East 1pm
For away travel please contact Steve Miller 07508 364101
