By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate (0) Chichester City (0)
As the sun went down and the temperature started to drop at a chilly WW Martin community stadium, the fans hoped to be warmed by an entertaining match.
Rams are currently positioned at the top of the league table and set to stay there over Christmas with so many postponed matches.
Rams attacked the airport as we get underway, the floodlights already on, Chichester winning an early corner in the first minute of the game but Rams defend well. Rams were having a good high press, keeping Chichester back in their own area.
Rams struggled to link up play ten minutes in and there was very little to show from either side as they battled on, Rams still holding a high press. The 11th minute and first shot on goal from Chichester, well watched and collected by Bexon. Chichester were coming more into the match.
At 23 minutes in it was all Chichester as Rams still struggled to connect up with meaningful play. Rams created an opportunity in the 27th as Jadama intercepted the ball in midfield and took it forward but his effort was well wide.
The 29th and Chichester had a free kick on the D of the box, Bexon set his wall which held strong and it headed over the goal for another Chichester corner.
The 33rd and Rams best effort of the match with a long range strike from a corner kick blasted in by Wood, forcing a good low save by Magee in the Chichester goal, Rams were starting to look a little better, although the ball seems to be going to the opposition.
The game remained entertaining with Rams having the better of the opportunities as they came more into the match and started creating a lively few minutes with Diakiesse and Miller both having shooting chances.
Rams got the second half underway. In the 52nd a great shot from Horncastle forced Bexon to make a save low to his left. Rams started the half slowly with Chichester having a couple of good opportunities. Chichester started moving the ball very well and were quickly finding their men and continuing to make Rams second best.
Rams finally put something together in the second half with Wood linking up and crossing to Aboagye. His effort was well over the bar though, from what looked a promising chance. The 66th and Chichester fall asleep at the back as Diakiesse goes through falls as he shoots and he and Magee watched as the ball rolled painfully wide of the goal.
Chichester created a golden opportunity but Clack was unable to get a meaningful touch to finish.
The 77th and Rams attacked. Fitchett forced a fantastic save from Magee, diving to his left and pushing the ball over the crossbar, Rams best effort of the half.
The 85th and Chichester mounted an attack, shot just wide by Prichard across Bexon’s goal.
Rams came away from this the happier of the sides even though taking just a point away from the game, it means the Rams remain top of the table at Christmas.
The Teams:
Ramsgate: 1Josh Bexon, 2Jerald Aboagye, 3Jahmal Howlett-Mundle, 4Jamie Coyle, 6Denzelle Olopade, 7Lauric Diakiesse, 10Ashley Miller, 11Nathan Wood, 17Ben Fitchett, 19Jake McIntyre, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs 5Callum Emptage, 13Lee Hook, 15Lucas Atkins, 16Daniel Haastrup, 18Theo Osinfolarin
Chichester City: 1Kieran Magee, 2Ryan Davidson, 3Rob Hutchings, 4Jamie Horncastle, 5Connor Cody, 6Ben Pashley, 7Tom Chalaye, 8Emmett Dunn, 9Josh Clack, 10Lloyd Rowlatt, 11Ethan Prichard,
Subs 12Kaleem Haitham, 14Joe Moore, 15Isaac Bello, 16Joe Clarke, 17Ollie Munt
Attendance: 494
Entertainment: 4*
RFSA Ram of the match: Ben Fitchett
Ramsgate next in action
26Dec Away at Hythe Town 2pm
02Jan Home Chatham Town 3pm
07Jan Away Cray Valley 3pm