By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 2 Hythe 0
14 Jadama
42 Miller
There was a downpour just prior to kick off at the WW Martin community stadium last night making the 3G surface nice and skiddy, just right for the players to move the ball at pace. There was a slight autumnal feel as we got underway with Rams attacking the airport end.
A rather slow start to the game as the teams battled in midfield for possession but were not really pushing on toward goal. Not until the 12th minute when Paxman cut inside on the left and crossed into the box, Jadama rose to head goal ward but it went straight into Hythe keeper Smith’s arms. The 14th and Rams were again down the left with Peck winning the first corner of the game. It was cleared by the defence but only to the edge of the box and was chipped back in the defence allowing it to bounce and Jadama reacted to head home the Rams opener.
The game again lulled but it was Rams creating the better opportunities with a couple of long range efforts although Smith easily dealt with these. Rams were pressing with not a lot coming back the other way as Hythe resorted to a long ball game with their 9 Harman doing a lot of chasing. In the 34th Hythe finally made an attack on the deck and got the ball through to Harman to have their first shot on goal and Bexon had to make a save. He punted the ball up field and it was collected by Miller who took a few strides before unleashing a thunderbolt of a shot parried by Smith to save.
The 37th and it was Hythe’s best move of the game, down the Rams left and crossed over to an unmarked Stirman who could only guide his header straight at Bexon, he should have done better.
Rams sub as Peck picked up an injury and Takalobighashi came on in the 39th resulting in a slight change to the Rams set up. Hythe took advantage, winning a throw in the 41st. Hamilton launched the ball into the Rams box but it was allowed to bounce and Rams scrambled it away, launching the ball forward to Miller. He ran through, rounded the keeper and slotted home perfectly to give Rams a two goal advantage at half time.
Half time subs Hythe Liam Smith off for Steventon, Rams Emptage off for McIntye and Hanfrey off for Fitchett.
The 50th and a defence error from Hythe saw the ball land at Jadama’s feet. He shot and screwed the ball just wide. The 57th and a great move down the Rams left saw Takaloo link up with Olopade who took the ball down to the goal line, pulled it back to Jadama with his shot forcing another good save from Smith. Rams immediately won the ball back, played up to Rowland who fired in and hit the post. Excellent play from the Rams.
The 60th and multiple substitutions as Hythe change three and Rams one, this seemed to affect the game greatly and play became a little dull. The 64th and Hythe freekick from the edge of the D. Ngandu steps up and strikes the ball straight to Bexon. Both sides seemed resigned to the result, just knocking the ball around in midfield.
The 74th and Hythe get the ball to Ngandu who was coming into the game a little more. He shot straight at Bexon though. The 76th and another Hythe long throw into the box, headed on but a foul on the keeper ends another disappointing attack for Hythe.
The 78th and Rams try to gift Hythe a chance as they handed possession over in a dangerous wide spot to Harman who shot for an acute angle cleared by Rams but certainly a wake up call.
Rams were on the offensive again as Jadama broke through, going for placement just wide. The 82nd Rowland twisted and turned in the box again, shot just wide, Rams finishing the stronger.
As we entered the dying embers with both sides having opportunities Gardener and Ngandu linked up down the Rams left, then Osinfolarin at the other end forced a great save from Smith. The 89th a Paxman ball into Jadama, a scramble and cleared off the line by the Hythe defence.
Rams hold out for the win.
The teams:
Ramsgate:
1Josh Bexon, 2Jahmal Howlett-Mundl, 3Tom Hanfrey, 5Callum Emptage, 18Theo Osinfolarin, 6Denzelle Olopade, 12Jack Paxman, 20Tijan Jadama, 7Callum Peck, 9Kane Rowland , 10Ashley Miller,
Subs: 4Jamie Coyle, 17Ben Fitchett, 19Jake McIntyre, 16Sammi Takalobighashi, 13Lee Hook
Hythe:
1Dan Smith, 2Liam Smith, 3Ross Ibbertson, 4Jarred Trespaderne , 5Marvin Hamilton-Omile, 6Lex Allan, 7Josh Stirman, 8Ethan Smith, 9Mitchell Harman, 10Shad Ngandu, 11Sam Itauma
Subs: 12Jack Steventon, 14Mackenzie Gardiner, 15Connor Cheek, 16Marcus Goldsmith
17Ollie Gray
Ram of the match: Tijan Jadama. Awarded by former Ram Mr Stan Kirby on his 90th birthday
Attendance: 205
Entertainment: 4*
Rams next in action:
01Oct Away – VCD Athletic
08Oct Home – Sheppey United
