Pitchside: Rams defeat to Littlehampton

Littlehampton 2          Ramsgate  0 Photo John Emmins

By pitchside reporter Andy Mason

Littlehampton 2          Ramsgate  0

72 Benn

77 Jarvis

The sports field ground in West Sussex and it was a lovely autumnal day with a cool breeze and the sun shining. The pitch was in pristine condition, we hoped we were in for an entertaining game as Littlehampton, who had not yet won at home, took on Ramsgate, unbeaten away from home.

Littlehampton got us underway, kicking into the low setting sun, the keeper Binfield already holding his hand up to see, why do keepers not wear caps anymore?

The 7th minute and Rams win the first corner of the game, Hampton getting everybody back to defend. It was Hampton with the golden opportunity in the 8th as Pattenden beat the Rams line one on one with Bexon who stayed strong to save.

Photo John Emmins

The 17th and Rams corner, a couple of minor chances, but Hampton seemed to have the better opportunities as Pattenden broke through, again thwarted by McIntyre on this occasion.

Slow progress to the game with a lot of niggly fouls breaking up the play. Rams tried to play but it was just not coming together as we approached the 30 minute mark.

The 43rd and a shot from Fender, wide of Bexon’s goal, the local support getting on the back of the officials as they were not agreeing with all the decisions being made.

Half time sub for Rams Osinfolarin for Jadama, Hampton were on the attack from the off with Pattenden down the right crossing into Bexon’s arms. The game settled to the same pattern as the first half, waiting for a moment of inspiration.

Photo John Emmins

The 58th and Pattenden was  again the major threat as Rams gave away a free kick about 10 yards outside the box. It was defended well. 61st and Rams long ball out to Ajayi who runs on, beats his man but is blocked from any good shooting opportunity. 64th and Hampton sub Baskin for Packer followed immediately by Rams sub Miller for Diakiesse.

Rams pushed to break the deadlock, Ajayi attempted a shot from range, blocked by Ball for a corner, and it was Miller’s first opportunity to impact the game, headed clear. 69th and a golden opportunity for Hampton as Gaskin shot from close range, Bexon down quickly with a strong arm to save, and the game opened up. 72nd and Benn left open for Hampton fired from all of 30 yards, beating Bexon in the top right hand corner of his goal.

77th and Rams were undone again, down the Hampton right, cross from Pattenden and running across goal Jarvis smashed home to most likely seal the points and give Hampton their first home points.

The 81st Hampton sub Rohilla for Pattenden to give him a well deserved rest after his exploits down the right.

84th and Rams sub Hasstrup for Prescott, Rams created nothing upfront until the 87th when Miller turned in the box, shot and finally Binfield was called into action, saving well low to his right.

Rams will need to put this one behind them and re-group for next week when they are at home to rivals Ashford United first vs second in the table.

The Teams:

Littlehampton: 1James Binfield, 2Corey Heath, 3Dion Jarvis, 4Scott Faber, 5Jordan Clark, 6Marshall Ball, 7Lucas Pattenden, 8Scott Packer, 9Devon Fender, 10Joe Benn , 11Josh Short,

Subs: 12George Gaskin, 13James Askew, 14Lewis Jenkins, 15Tarun Rohilla, 16Ta’Shae Andall-Gibbons

Ramsgate: 1Josh Bexon, 2Jerald Aboagye, 3Jahmal Howlett-Mundle, 4Jamie Coyle, 7Lauric Diakiesse, 8Lee Prescott, 9Kane Rowland, 12Jack Paxman, 14Joshua Ajayi, 19Jake McIntyre, 20Tijan Jadama

Subs: 10Ashley Miller, 11Jack Richards, 16Daniel Haastrup, 18Theo Osinfolarin, 17Ben Fitchett

 RFSA Ram of the match: Jahmal Howlett-Mundle

Entertainment: 4*

Attendance: 263

Ramsgate next in action

26 Nov Home Ashford United 3pm

03 Dec Away Whitehawk 3pm

10 Dec Away Beckenham Town 3pm