By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 2 Horndean 0
Alfie Paxman (39)
Joe Taylor (77)
A pleasant autumnal evening at the WW Martin Community stadium as Ramsgate welcome Horndean from near Portsmouth for possibly the furthest away game of the season.
Rams on the front foot from the off with Jack Paxman having an early sighter with a pot shot from wide right. Another Rams attack crossed in from the right as Cameron Scott, Dean’s keeper, and their defender miscommunicate. Luckily the defender heads out for an early Rams corner.
As the match settles the Dean’s have certainly more into the match and are causing Rams problems down the flanks, especially Zack Willett whose pace and guile seems to be giving Rams full backs a few things to think about. A wonderful ball into the Rams box but alas for Dean’s no one there to slot home.
As Dean’s push forward they look the better of the sides. A long ball forward this time, a mix up in the Rams defence as Joe Elull & Tom Hadler miscommunicate resulting in a Dean’s corner.
The only shinning light at this point for the Rams has been the wing play of Benny Bioletti, he is constantly charging down the line and finding space and outpacing defenders.
Just after the half hour Rams forced into a substitution as Bode Anidugbe pulls up, allowing Alfie Paxman to enter the fray. The Rams have a re-shape as Alfie goes on the wing and Jordan Green goes into middle.
Rams being closed down quickly at every position, with Dean’s still looking the better of the sides. Rams push forward down the middle. A ball played into Joe Taylor’s feet with his back to goal. As he tries to turn a defender tugs him. A free kick centre of goal on the edge of the penalty area. Over the ball are Alfie Paxman and Lee Martin. It’s Paxman that strikes. The wall jumps but the strike is along the deck and is in the back of the net before Scott can move.
Rams seem to relax now and play some of their best football of the night with Bioletti and Alfie Paxman creating and crossing into the area. The goal has certainly lifted the players and the crowd as half time comes.
Rams get us underway for the second half now attacking the town end. They certainly seem to have found their mojo as they quickly move the ball around, the press from the Dean’s not so effective.
As Rams continue forward the elusive second goal not coming though. The crowd rousing with their support Rams push on. Great wing play from Bioletti firing numerous balls in the box, or chasing down the line and winning corners, it’s all Rams.
Dean’s hit on the break as Willett goes through down the right, crosses finding Tommy Scutt in the area, his shot just wide of Hadler’s goal, proving that Dean’s will not give up.
Rams put another good move together passing round the Dean’s midfield, a ball slotted through for Green, he beats the defender and shoots. The ball rolls just wide as Scott can only watch.
Rams continuing forward as Jack Paxman links up with his brother a couple of times with crosses from Jack and Alfie on the end of them but just not the finishing touch required.
The Dean’s make a couple of subs, bringing on a couple of forwards, as they still feel at one down there’s a chance. The subs have made a difference and Dean’s are fighting back with quick attacks causing a little panic at the back. Rams eventually clear and find Bioletti on the wing. He beats three and wins Rams a corner.
Rams are playing well but still hold this slender lead, as Green gets in a cross along the line. It just needs a touch but evades everyone.
The game ebbing to and fro, Alfie Paxman wins a ball in midfield, slots through to Taylor who holds off the defender and un-leashes a venomous shot, the ball hitting the back of the goal with Scott rooted to the spot for Rams second.
Rams can relax a little now and their class begins to show as they knock the ball around confidently. A late sub for the Rams as we see Bioletti getting a well-earned rest, as Freddie Oliver takes to the field to bolster the midfield.
With just minutes to go, a Martin freekick into the area is headed down for Taylor who is just beaten to the ball. This could have been a little unfair on the Dean’s who have played extremely well.
One last effort as Dean’s attack, a cross into Connor Duffin, centre forward, who somehow manages to miss from point blank range.
Attendance: 630
RFSA Player of the match: Benny Bioletti
The Teams:
RAMS: 1Tom Hadler, 3Jack Parter , 4Joe Ellul, 5Alfie Young, 6Bode Anidugbe, 7Benny Bioletti, 8Jack Paxman, 9Joe Taylor, 10Jordan Green, 15Lee Martin, 17Mike West
Subs: 11Alfie Paxman, 14Medy Elito, 16Wes Hennessey, 18Sinnkaye Christie, 19Freddie Oliver
HORNDEAN: 1Cameron Scott, 2Robert Taw, 3Harvey Laidlaw, 4Sam Hookey, 5Rudi Blankson, 6Chad Field, 7Jordan Pile, Ethan Robb, 12Daniel Sibley, 10Tommy Scutt, 11Zack Willett, 9Connor Duffin
Subs: 14Harry Jackson, 15Cade Dyer, 16Fin Walsh-Smith, 17Brandon Miller
Ramsgate next in action:
28Oct Away Hythe Town FA Trophy 3pm
04Nov Home Woking FA Cup 3pm gates from 11am with fan park
07Nov Away Merstham Isthmian SE league 7:45pm
