Rams take points to remain top of the table

ramsfavje1 — Rams win over Faversham Photo John Emmins

By Pitchside reporter Andy Mason

Faversham 1 Ramsgate 3

69 Wood 35 Jadama

51 Olopade

90 Rowland

It was a temperate night under the floodlights at Salter Lane as Faversham hosted Ramsgate in another local derby match. Rams were sitting at the top of the table and looking to extend their unbeaten league run.

Rams kicked off toward the Salters Lane end, a slight down hill on the lush grass, the early stages were slow with both teams sounding each other out and trying to ascertain the opposition’s tactics.

An early freekick for the Rams was taken by Osinfolarin deep into the Faversham penalty area. Jadama rose but was unable to direct his header goalward. Faversham immediately responded at the other end, a shot from Wilkins was deflected and forced Bexon into a good early save low to his right, pushing the ball out to a Rams defender to clear. The 8th and Rams free kick from in their own half, Hanfrey sprayed a long ball across the field to Osinfolarin. He rounded McFaull and crossed but no attacker running in.

Osinfolarin was giving McFaull a real tough time down the right, playing the ball one way then the other. The poor left back did not have a clue and with Osinfolarin’s pass he knocked a ball past him and still retained possession.

The 16th and Faversham won the first corner of the game. It was well defended and played out to Osinfolarin. He beat his man, cut inside and shot just wide of Overland’s goal. The 20th and Rowland was slotted through with just the keeper to beat, a powderpuff shot trickled wide. Rams were certainly showing some intent, especially down the right.

In the 30th it was a Faversham corner again, Rams defended well, something they have certainly worked on. Rams were building a head of steam and in the 35th the ball played out to Osinfolarin. He brought it down on his chest, beating McFaull and crossing to Jadama to smash home for the Rams a terrific move from start to finish.

The 37th and Ajayi with a solo run shot just wide, Rams piled on the pressure with more excellent work as Osinfolarin kept beating his man, who probably couldn’t wait for half time to get a rest. The 45th and Ajayi is in a solo effort as he shot but he went down (hamstring) and was subbed by Miller. Half time Faversham 0 Ramsgate 1.

Second half was underway and Faversham changed formation a little to try and cope with the threat down the Rams right. The 51st and Rams first attack of the half out to Osinfolarin on the right. This time he cut inside and laid the ball up for Olopade to place in the bottom corner of Overland’s net who didn’t even move, it was so well placed. The 55th and Rams attack again, Miller this time firing over the bar, the 58th Jadama from range again over the bar.

The 59th and McFaull finally gets a rest as he is subbed for Carlton, a more experienced defender. A golden opportunity for Faversham ball played in to the box but a poor connection from Embery and the ball rolls to Bexon. The 69th and Faversham attacked again, the ball played out wide. Rams defence switched off, Wood was allowed to run in and fire past Bexon to pull one back. This inspired the Faversham side as they started an onslaught on Rams who seemed to be struggling to cope, as Faversham built on their renewed vigour.

A long throw from Faversham was headed on at the near post, dropped in the box and Rams were lucky and managed to scramble the ball away. Bexon was certainly telling his defenders what he felt. Rams sub Peck, replaced by Redwood, going to a back four which may not have been the best plan as Rams were already defending deep.

In the 76th another Faversham attack down the left crossed over Rams saw it out. The 81st was the first offside of the game, Rams played the ball forward, Miller cut inside and tried a curler from the edge of the box, going wide.

The 85th and a Rams free kick as Jadama was brought down on the edge of the Faversham box. The resulting kick smashed high over the bar. We entered a very bitty period of play until Rams pushed forward with a 90th min wonder strike from Rowland as he hit a dropping ball and caught it perfectly, the ball flying just inches over the outstretched hand of Overland and nestling right in the top corner of the Faversham net. Game set and match for the Rams.

Rams remain top as Beckenham faulter with a draw.

The teams

Faversham: 1Simon Overland, 2Danny Rumbol, 3Joshua McFaull. 4Freddie Carter, 5Matt Bourne, 6Toby Bancroft, 7Connor Wilkins , 8Junior Aikhionbare, 9Jake Embery, 10Bradley Schafer , 11Nathan Wood

Subs: 12Ronald Sithole, 14Tom Carlton, 15Olabanji Dauda, 16Leighton Fanshawe, 17Jono Richardson

Ramsgate: 1Josh Bexon, 2Tom Hanfrey , 4Jahmal Howlett-Mundle, 6Denzelle Olopade, 7Callum Peck, 8Lee Prescott, 9Kane Rowland, 14Joshua Ajayi, 18Theo Osinfolarin, 20Tijan Jadama , 5Callum Emptage

Subs: 3Leon Redwood, 10Ashley Miller, 12Jack Paxman, 17Sammi Takalobighashi, 19Jake McIntyre

Attendance: 231

Man of the Match: Theo Osinfolarin

Entertainment: 4*