By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Sittingbourne 2 Ramsgate 3
Craig Stone (5 og) Jordan Green (45+2)
Harry Hope (83) Tijan Jadama (65)
Joe Taylor (82)
A dank day at the Roman stadium as the Brickies host the Rams in a New Year’s Day fixture, with both sides having just one day rest in what has been a hectic festive period.
Rams start the game holding a very high line, but concede an early free kick, quickly taken and played high into the Rams box, although there appears to be no attacking players in the area. Craig Stone doesn’t get a shout and tries to head clear, only for the ball to angle off his head and into the back of his own net. Not the start Rams wanted with just five minutes on the clock.
Brickies are having the majority of the play as Rams are looking a little jaded. Rams playing out from the back and are trying to build some momentum. Jordan Green running into the area but he’s unable to control his shot.
Rams seem unable to break down the Brickies, as they hold firm at the back and close Rams down quickly. Joe Taylor is being marked by two defenders every time the ball is played in, making life very difficult.
Thirty fourth, Brickies mount a sharp attack as Chris Harris goes through, shoots although straight at Tom Hadler in the Rams goal. The Brickies are certainly controlling the game.
As we approach half time Rams are still yet to create a clear-cut chance, just a couple of shots going over the crossbar.
We are in time added on, Tijan Jadama just inside the Brickies area powers in a shot blocked by the face of Chris Arthur, the ball rebounding to Jordan Green who smashes in a first time shot, for a Rams equaliser.
Rams come out after the break showing a lot more intent. Jadama has a great chance, Brickies manage to clear the ball away for a corner, as Rams pile on the pressure. Whatever Ben Smith said to the Rams in the interval has certainly worked.
Jordan Green gets challenged and stays down, forcing Rams into a change as Benny Bioletti comes on a like for like swap.
It really is a no holds barred game as the challenges are coming in thick and fast. Neither side wanting to concede any ground.
A sweeping move from the Rams sees Bioletti and Taylor link up, Luke Woodward breaks up the attack as Taylor bears down on goal.
Rams make another change as Medy Elito replaces Lee Martin in the midfield on the hour mark.
Sixty fifth Jadama from all of twenty five yards has an outstanding strike passing a static Bobby Mason in the Brickies goal to give Rams a deserved lead.
Sixty ninth, Brickies are reduced to ten men as Chris Harris is sent off for a second yellow card. This seems to spur the Brickies on as they come more into the game. Rams make a change as Joe Elull who was fouled, has to go off with Dan Johnson coming on.
Can Rams finish the Brickies off? Alfie Paxman forces a very good save from Mason as Rams continue to play on the front foot. Taylor in the area goes down, the ref sees it as simulation and issues him with a yellow card.
Taylor goes out on the wing, crosses into the area, but too much height on the ball for Bioletti to be able to get to it. Rams really do need a third goal to put the game to bed, with ten minutes of the ninety remaining.
A slip up at the back allows Taylor space. He waits for Mason to make a move and lifts the ball over him to finish with aplomb, giving Rams that two goal cushion and marking Taylor’s 100th goal for the team.
Brickies go straight down the other end and Harry Hope slots the ball home beating Hadler. It will be a nervy last few minutes.
Rams continue to play forward, but chances go begging as Bioletti & Taylor see their strikes being blocked.
As the game comes towards the end tempers seem to flare and a little melee ensues, pushing and shoving.
A hard-fought game sees the Rams coming out on top.
RFSA player of the match: Alfie Paxman
Attendance: 509
The teams:
BRICKIES: 1Bobby Mason, 2Donvieve Jones, 3Bagasan Graham, 4Luke Woodward, 5Joe Tyrie, 6Gabriel Piorkowski, 7Ayman El-Moghaebel, 8D’Shaun Theobalds, 9Chris Harris, 10Stefan Illic, 13Chris Arthur
Subs: 12Alex Bentley, 14Harry Hope, 15Chris John, 16Manny Osei-Owusu, 17Mitchell May
RAMS: 1Tom Hadler, 3Jack Parter, 4Joe Ellul, 5Craig Stone, 6Bode Anidugbe, 8Jack Paxman, 9Joe Taylor, 10Jordan Green, 11Alfie Paxman, 15Lee Martin, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs: 2Alfie Young, 7Benny Bioletti, 14Medy Elito, 17Mike West, 18Dan Johnson
Ramsgate next in action:
Sat 6 Jan A Lancing Isthmian South East 3pm
Wed 10 Jan H East Grinstead Town Isthmian South East 7.45pm
Sat 13 Jan H Burgess Hill Town Isthmian South East 3pm
For Away travel contact Steve Miller on 07508-364101