By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 1 Beckenham Town 0
Jack Parter (31)
Bright and sunny at the WW Martin Community stadium as we mark Remembrance Day with Major Gavin Smyth RA, Royal Artillery and former Rams goalkeeper laying a wreath, before bugler Terry Pankhurst, formerly of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, plays the Last Post.
We are also marking the passing of long-standing Rams supporter Stan Kirby. The 1041 crowd fall silent showing their respect, just the tweeting birds breaking the hush.
A real chill in the air as Beckenham get us underway attacking the Town end. An early scare for the Rams, Beckenham attack down the right wing a perfect cross into the box George Goodwin appears unmarked and slams a shot against Tom Hadler’s crossbar.
Rams are very slow to start and are finding it very difficult to get hold of the ball in in the early stages, something they need to work on.
Eighteenth minute the first save of the game as Beckenham’s Finlay Lovatt forces Hadler into action saving well down low.
Although Rams had the early scare, Beckenham have not really taken advantage of the possession they have had.
Twenty first minute, a Rams free kick taken by Alfie Paxman, Nick Blue in the Beckenham goal collects and quickly releases the ball putting them on the attack, the ball played swiftly up field and through to Bradley Ryan whose shot is inches wide of Hadler’s goal. Rams really do need to get a foothold in this match as Beckenham belie their lowly league position.
We are at the midway point in the first half as Rams finally start moving the ball and pressing forward. Joe Taylor hits a shot across goal, followed by Alfie Paxman going through with just the keeper to beat, Blue is down quickly and snuffs out Paxman’s effort.
Thirty first minute, out of nothing the ball played to Jack Parter just outside the penalty area, he takes one touch and unleashes his shot, the ball flying past Blue in the Beckenham goal to give Rams the lead.
Rams now settled and playing well, more like the team the supporters have become used too. Slick passing and excellent wing play as Jordan Green puts a great ball in, with Taylor and Tijan Jadama waiting, Beckenham defence hold firm as they block the efforts.
Rams make a half time substitution as Benny Bioletti replaces Green on the right. Rams on the attack from the off, with Bioletti making a difference in his runs cutting in from the wing. Some great link up play sees Bioletti going close.
Sixty minutes in and a real threat from Beckenham, a near post shot cleared for a corner, the ball played in and Beckenham hit the post.
Rams have a couple of good opportunities themselves as Joe Elull heads just over and Taylor forces an excellent save from Blue.
Rams replace Mike West with Bode Anidugbe. He is only on for a short time before striking a wonderful curling shot just fractions wide of Blue’s post.
Beckenham have a late free kick in the last seconds of time added, but alas is straight into the arms of Hadler and the referee blows for time.
A tense Rams performance. They will be happy to have come through this game and take another three points towards their league title challenge.
Attendance: 1041
RFSA Player of the match: Jack Parter.
The Teams:
RAMS:1Tom Hadler, 2Alfie Young, 3Jack Parter, 4Joe Ellul , 5Craig Stone, 9Joe Taylor,10Jordan Green, 11Alfie Paxman , 15Lee Martin, 17Mike West, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs: 6Bode Anidugbe, 7Benny Bioletti, 8Jack Paxman, 14Medy Elito, 16Wes Hennessey
BECKENHAM: 1Nick Blue, 2Simbarashe Kudyiwa, 3Freddie Nyhus, 4Harry Gamble, 5Robert Carter, 6Mudiaga Wanogho, 7Finlay Lovatt , 8Danny Waldren, 9George Goodwin, 10Bradley Ryan, 11Dieko Falade
Subs: 12Henry Griffin, 14Michael Okubote, 15Olusanya Aina, 16Jargal Enkh, 17Jamie Humphris
Ramsgate next in action
14Nov Away Sheppey United ILSE 7:45pm
18Nov Home Phoenix Sports ISLE 3pm
22Nov Home Hythe Town ISLE 7:45pm