By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 4 Bexhill United 1
Elull 4 Stone 44
Taylor 9, 80, 90(p)
A warm sunny day at the WW Martin community stadium as Ramsgate host Bexhill United, the sides have previously meet on two occasions in the FA cup 1967 Rams winning 4 – 1 & 1973 Rams 2 – 0 victors both games played at Southwood.
Ramsgate on top from the kick off having two quick corners from the second as the ball comes over Elull rises to meet it and heads home. 8th Bexhill hit Rams on the break as Samways out paces the Rams defence Hadler comes out to meet him as the lob goes over the bar.
Rams continue to press 9th min Taylor in the box in one motion turns and shoots hitting the back of the net Rams 2 – 0. Rams now dictating the pace of the game.
Rams press on forcing Bexhill to have 10 men back behind the ball as they defend, Anidugbe deserves a mention for his work in the middle for the Rams breaking up play almost every time.
Rams are playing some very good football and are looking very sharp with their passing.
Bexhill another long ball forward Stone beats the offside line and is through to slot past Hadler 44th min to pull one back as we approach half time 2 – 1, Rams need to settle back into rhythm and takes advantage of the chances their creating.
Rams pick the pace up to start the second half looking the superior side, this seems to have gone off the boil though after 15 mins of pressure that the Pirates have absorbed.
Rams best move of the half as Marsh paces past his man squares for Taylor who’s instantly tackled ball breaks to Jadama who blasts over. Rams win a free kick taken by Paxman (A) 80th min smashed against the crossbar and Taylor follows up to head home into the unguarded net.
Rams make a couple of substitutions that seem to change the dynamics a little and has livened the game up as Bexhill start to runout of steam the fresh legs will certainly help with the pressure Rams are putting on to them.
87th Pirates have a corner played into the Rams box and blasted against the post, Rams survive a late scare and are immediately on the attack down the Rams right Bioletti is clattered to the floor as he cuts into penalty area, an easy decision a penalty for Taylor to complete a hattrick and keeping up his amazing FA cup scoring record.
A hard fought, well deserved win for the Rams who were worked hard throughout by the lower league side.
Attendance: 421
RFSA player of the match: Joe Taylor
Teams:
Rams
1Tom Hadler, 8Jack Paxman, 3Jack Parter, 4Joe Ellul, 5Chris John, 6Bode Anidugbe, 9Joe Taylor, 10Jordan Green, 11Alfie Paxman, 20Tijan Jadama, 17Mike West
Subs: 7Benni Bioletti, 12Louie Procopi13Archie Simmons, 14Medy Elito, 15Tristan Holden, 16Freddie Oliver, 19Monty Saunders
Bexhill
1Stefanos Akras, 2Brad Prichard, 3Ollie Hull, 4Joe Skinner, 5Connor Robertson, 6Tom Vickers, 7Charlie Curran, 8Jack Samways, 9James Stone, 10Aaron Cook, 11Jack Shonk
Subs: 12Harrison Smith, 14Jake Nickless, 15Nathan Corke, 16Pat Kennedy, 17Sena Aklotsoe.
Ramsgate next in action:
26Aug home v Littlehampton Town 3pm Isthmian South East
28Aug away v Herne Bay 3pm Isthmian South East
02Sep home v Northwood 3pm FA Trophy