By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 2 Hythe Town 1
67 Aboagye 30 Caney-Bryan
72 Miller
A pleasant afternoon for football with a cooling breeze blowing across the WW Martin community stadium as Ramsgate hosted Kent rivals Hythe Town.
Hythe got us underway and were immediately on the front foot, forcing Rams back. In the 5th Ethan Smith was left unmarked in the middle of the Rams box, a one on one with Bexon he shot. Thankfully for Rams it was straight at Bexon who was happy to save. Rams were struggling under the high pressure and made life difficult for themselves as the ball kept being give away and coming right back at the defence.
In the 11th Rams were finally on the attack, winning a corner cleared by the very tall Hythe defence only as far as Redmond, who headed forward to Atkins. He turned and shot, forcing Lee-Wharton into a fine low save. It was looking more promising for the Rams, as Olopade twisted and turned, shooting but Lee-Wharton was there again to save.
Hythe’s attacks were coming down the Rams right. In the 30th the ball was crossed into the box and Caney-Bryan got between Rams defender and keeper to slot home for probably a deserved lead for Hythe. The goal certainly opened up the game. The 33rd and Atkins and Aboagye linked up down the right, Atkins shot, beating Lee-Wharton but alas the ball rebounded off the crossbar.
As we approached half time Ethan Smith had a couple of golden opportunities for Hythe, missing an absolute sitter unmarked in front of goal. he headed over. Would Hythe rue their missed opportunities?
Manager Steve Lovell would certainly have had some harsh words for the Rams, they were out early for the second half and made a substitution with Jadama coming on for Olopade.
This change had an immediate effect with Jadama breaking through and crossing but Lee-Wharton saved. Rams normal service resumed and the fans were treated to the sort of play they are now getting used to as Rams controlled the midfield. In the 55th Ajayi’s free kick and a Lee-Wharton super save to keep Hythe’s lead intact. The 58thand Jadama was controlling play, slots in Prescott to shoot but blocked by a prostrate Liam Smith putting his body on the line.
Wave after wave of Rams attacks and then in the 67th Ajayi shot from range, the ball rebounded out to Aboagye to fire in a Rams equaliser. The 72nd and a bit of lax defending in the Hythe area resulted ithe ball breaking to Miller to fire home putting Rams in the lead.
The 84th and another Rams attack Miller is foiled by Goldsmith after a quick break.
These have been the first goals conceded by Hythe this season, rounding off a superb second half performance from the Rams especially Jadama who would have been Ram of the match but having only played the second 45 mins what a game changer, hats off to an inspired sub by Lovell.
Attendance: 675
Ram of the Match: Jahmal Howlett-Mundle
Entertainment value: 4.5*
Teams
Ramsgate:
1Josh Bexon, 2Jerald Aboagye, 3Leon Redwood , 5Lucas Atkins, 6Denzelle Olopade(off 46), 8Lee , rescott, 10Ashley Miller, 14Joshua Ajayi, 16Jahmal Howlett-Mundle, 17Ben Fitchett, 18Theo Osinfolarin
Subs: 7James Newstead, 11Jack Robbens, 15Sammi Takalobighashi, 20Tijan Jadama(on 46), 13Lee Hook
Hythe Town:
1Aaron Lee-Wharton, 2Marcus Goldsmith, 3Sam Itauma, 4Jack Steventon, 5Lex Allan, 6Liam Smith, 7Ethan Smith(off 75), 8Jarred Trespaderne(off 62), 9Johan Caney-Bryan, 10Shad Ngandu(off 59), 11Jason Fregene
Subs: 12Josh Stirman(on 75), 14Frannie Collin(on 59), 15Morgan Williamson, 16Harry Miller(on 62) , 17Dan Smith
Cards:
Ramsgate: Yellow 86 Leon Redwood
Hythe: Yellow 69 Harry Miller
Ramsgate next in action:
06 Sep Away Kent Senior Cup v Beckenham Town 7.45pm
10 Sep Away FA Trophy v Littlehampton 3pm
17 Sep Home v Lancing 3pm