By Pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 4 Ashford United (0) 0
Joe Taylor (35, 76)
Tijan Jadama (50)
Jordan Green (51)
It was Ramsgate community day at the WW Martin Community Stadium with free entry for accompanied local school children. The weather was not befitting of the occasion as the rain and wind arrived.
The players enter the field of play with worsening conditions, the wind adding a chill factor. Our visitors get us underway attacking the town end.
Supporters from both sides will be expecting plenty of goal mouth action, as previous meetings between the two sides have always been high scoring affairs.
A very slow start to the game, it’s ten minutes in before we have our first shot on goal as Rams build down the right ball, crossed over just behind Joe Taylor but following in is Jordan Green, fires in his shot, blocked Tom Penfold and Ashford clear.
Ashford troubled at the back, a misplaced back pass causes Chris Lewington, the keeper, into a rushed clearance as Taylor bears down on him.
A quick break from Ashford finds Max Walsh in space, he shoots forcing Tom Hadler to get down and save comfortably to his right.
Ramsgate using Jack Parter as a left wing back, he’s making lots of forward runs and creating a few shooting chances, the best of which falls to Lee Martin whose powerful strike has Lewington scrambling across goal to make a good save.
Twenty-minute mark, a lovely run from Green as he cuts into the penalty area, passes a defender, looks set to shoot and goes down, referee waves away the appeals and books Green for simulation, the Rams crowd jeering the decision.
Rams are certainly creating more of the attacking play as they strive for a goal. Jack A Paxman and Green are linking up well down the right-hand side for Rams, as Jack overlaps and crosses in for Taylor, he swivels and shoots in one motion, the ball drifting just wide.
Ashford by no means out of it as they attack quickly, the wet surface helping as the ball skids through for Ian Draycott, his shot across the goal fractions outside the post. The rain abated now which must be a lot nicer for the teams.
Half hour in and Rams are cranking up the pressure as they win a couple of corners in succession. Parter fires a shot across the box deflected away for a Rams throw, sustained attacking football as they pass their way toward Lewington’s goal.
Thirty fifth, Rams try a different tactic, a long ball from keeper Hadler fired up field, the ball held up and laid off to Taylor, he spins on a sixpence and fires home a wonderful strike giving Lewington no chance in the Ashford goal.
Rams continue with great attacks down both flanks. As we approach half time Rams have another great opportunity but for a last-ditch challenge from Penfold taking the ball off Taylor’s foot saving a certain goal.
Just as the teams come out for the second half the rain starts again, although thankfully not as heavy as in the first half. It’s certainly not dampening the spirt of the crowd, as they have heard the scoreline at The Artic Stadium where arch-rivals Cray Valley PM are losing and Rams are back on top of the league. The Rams continue to attack cheered on by the throng.
Forty ninth, Joe Turner receives a pass, he’s in a central position, gets a shot away fractions over Lewington’s crossbar. It’s all Rams but they really do need to get at least another goal. A wonderful pass from Turner finds Tijan Jadama, he rounds a defender keeping the ball under control, his powerful strike is too much for Lewington as the ball skids off the surface and into the back of the net.
Directly from the restart Jadama steels the ball, slots a pass to Green who is in space, takes one touch and unleashes his shot which flies in going under a despairing Lewington. Fifty-one minutes in and Rams are three goals to the good.
Rams are not done by any means as they continue with relentless attacking play. Green tries to go through a narrow gap and goes down in a central position just outside the penalty area, Marin and Jack S Paxman over the ball, everyone expecting a shot, however Rams try something different laying the ball off to Green, who strikes, blocked again by Penfold.
Just after the hour mark Rams make a change as Green is replaced by Medy Elito, Green just back from a hamstring injury probably needing the rest.
Sixty-sixth minute and Ashford hit Rams on the break and striker Noah Carney has the opportunity to pull one back but for a brilliant save from Hadler low to his left, keeping his sheet clean.
A second Rams change sees Jack S Paxman making way for debutant Mathew Attenbrough-Warren.
Rams win the ball in midfield flicking a pass over the Ashford defence for Taylor to run onto, he spots Lewington coming out to meet him, Taylor delicately flicks the ball over the on coming keeper to round off a perfect move with his second and Rams fourth.
One last change for the Rams as Alfie Paxman replaces Jadama.
Rams are really going for the match as they continue to mount attacks, Turner has a good couple of chances setup by Alfie and brother Jack as they link up. Rams thwarted by Tolulope Jonah with a saving headed clearance.
Ashford mount one last attack, as Jordan Abobia finds a lot of space just to the left edge of the Rams area, his effort saved well by Hadler as Rams march on.
Attendance: 1068
RFSA player of the match: Joe Taylor
The teams:
RAMS: 1Tom Hadler, 3Jack Parter, 4Alex Brefo, 5Craig Stone, 8Jack A Paxman, 9Joe Taylor, 10Jordan Green, 15Lee Martin, 16Jack S Paxman, 19Joe Turner, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs 6Bode Anidugbe, 11Alfie Paxman, 12Matthew Attenborough-Warren, 14Medy Elito, 18Sinnkaye Christie
ASHFORD: 1Christopher Lewington, 2Tariq Ossai, 3Bradley Simms, 4David Ozobia, 5Tolulope Jonah, 6Thomas Penfold, 7Jordan Abobia, 8Harvey Brand, 9Noah Carney, 10Ian Draycott, 11Max Walsh
Subs: 12Robbie Rees, 14Bradley Ryan, 15Lanre Azeez
Ramsgate next in action:
Tue 5 Mar A East Grinstead Town Isthmian South East 7.30pm
Sat 9 Mar A Beckenham Town Isthmian South East 3pm
Sat 16 Mar A Burgess Hill Town Isthmian South East 3pm
For away travel contact Steve Miller on 07508-364101
