By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Cray Wanderers 2 Ramsgate 2
Yahaya Bamba (59′) Joe Taylor (86P, 90)
Nyren Clunis (69′)
A dank and humid atmosphere at the Hayes Lane stadium for an FA cup second qualifying round tie as Cray Wanderers host Ramsgate in a Sunday 3pm kick off due to ground sharing.
Ramsgate start brightly and are immediately on the attack a ball down the right crossed in for Paxman, shots just over in the second minute.
Cray respond with an attack of their own a ball cross in collected by Tom Hadler, Cray are showing some intent as they go forward with power-house Nyren Clunis causing the Rams defence a few problems.
Every time Rams go forward they show good intent but not the execution in the finish, with Joe Taylor marked by two defenders all the time seems little other options for the Rams.
Since the initial start Rams have had more of the play but are unable to convert chances into goals as Mike West & Jack Paxman both miss opportunities to give Rams the lead.
Cray have their best moments of the half has Cameron Thompson hits wide, Rams are more than holding their own at this point, in a very even game.
Thirty-ninth Jack Paxman booked for a cynical foul after playing an under hit pass and unable to challenge fairly, he takes the yellow card but has prevented Cray from gaining a big advantage.
Rams push forward again forty first as Bioletti creates as golden opportunity going down the right at pace and crosses to Taylor in the box, he holds the ball up turns and sets the ball back to Mike West who’s shot goes over the bar.
Cray finish off the half on the attack with a cross come shot from Clunis collected well by Tom Hadler in the Rams goal, we go all square nil all at half time.
Rams again start the second half brightly with Biolettio easily outpacing Cray’s Jamie Mascoll, Taylor get’s put though one on one with Cray’s Shaun Rowley, his shot telegraphed as the keeper makes the save.
Cray seem to be tiring as Rams continue to press the difference in levels now nullified by what appears a fitter Rams side, is this now their time?
Rams go on an offensive fifty eighth really pressing forward but are unable to get a clear shot away and Cray pick up the ball and move at some pace directly up field winning a corner, the ball hit low and hard toward the near post where Yahya Bamba is no defenders on the near post he slots home to put Cray into the lead
Sixty first Cray with their tails up and renewed energy after the goal go on the attack again and try the same corner move again no defender on the post but this time Hadler makes a fantastic low save to keep Rams in the game.
Rams forced into a substitution as Bioletti is injured coming on Jordan Green hopefully a like for like to keep up Rams pace down the flanks as Alfie Paxman swaps to the left wing & Marsh operating on the right.
Sixty ninth Clunis outpaces Rams defence down the left side he comes into the box and hits a powerful shot across Hadler and into the back of the net, Cray now two goals to the good and just twenty minutes of normal time left.
Sub for Rams as Medy Elito replaces Mike West in mid-field. The Rams encouraged by their large travelling contingent, seem to be inspired and show real urgency, as Cray think the jobs done.
Rams pile on the pressure as Lee Martin who has marshalled the mid-field is brought down a few yards outside the box, he fires in the freekick cleared, Rams supporters really feeling the pressure but are continuing to be the loudest in their support.
As we enter the last five minutes Rams are on the attack again how much of this can the Cray defence take Tijan Jadama breaks through into the box goes down in a challenge and the referee awards Rams a lifeline with a spot kick, up steps Taylor smashes the ball home with some real passion, the crowd go wild with almost all the Rams supporters behind the goal.
Rams sub Joe Elull replaces Sinnkaye Christie, with their tails up and spurred on, great inter play between the Paxman brothers down the right winning Rams a late corner as we just about enter the last seconds, ball hit hard toward the near post Taylor rises and creates so much power on his header Rowley does not have time to react as the ball flies past him and Rams have equalised.
A very fair hard fought cup time and in the end a fair result, we are all set to go again this Wednesday at the WW Martin Community stadium a 7.45pm kick off, this game is not to be missed.
Attendance: 268
RFSA player of the match: Joe Taylor
Teams
CRAY WANDERERS: 1Shaun Rowley, 17Lee Lewis, 5Cameron Black, 15Thomas Penfold, 12William Wood, 4David Ijaha, 8Frankie Raymond, 11Nyren Clunis, 20Yahaya Bamba, 14Cameron Thompson, 18George Porter
Subs: 2Archy Taylor, 3Jamie Mascoll, 6Jack Holland, 7Ellis Brown ,10Anthony Cook, 16Sam Wood, 19Reggie Rye.
RAMS: 1Tom Hadler, 3Jack Parter, 5Dan Johnson, 7Benni Bioletti 8Jack Paxman , 9Joe Taylor, 11Alfie Paxman, 17Mike West, 18Sinnkaye Christie, 15Lee Martin ,20Tijan Jadama
Subs: 4Joe Ellul, 6Bode Anidugbe, 10Jordan Green, 13Archie Simmons, 14Medy Elito, 19Freddie Oliver, 12Louie Procopi
Ramsgate next in Action:
20Sep Home v Cray Wanderers 7.45pm FA cup 2nd Qualifying round replay
23Sep Home v Sevenoaks Town 3pm FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round
27Sep Home v Cray Valley PM Kent cup