By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Photos and videos John Emmins
East Grinsted Town 2 Ramsgate 6
Matthew Daniel (11) Alfie Paxman (18)
Oliver Spinks (30) Sinnkaye Christie (29, 79)
Joe Taylor (57, 60 pen, 96)
A chilly evening at the East Court stadium as East Grinstead, the Wasps, host Ramsgate in a game that could see Ramsgate go back to the top of the league table.
Ramsgate start the game very well forcing Wasps deep in their own half. As Rams pile on the pressure, some great work in the midfield sees Tijan Jadama going down the middle of the pitch taking on the Wasps defence, he’s brought down edge of the penalty area. Alfie Paxman takes a wonderful free kick forcing an excellent diving save from Mate Pierson in the Wasps goal.
The first ten minutes Wasps have not managed to get out of their half, as Rams play a ball back, a defender slips allowing Mathew Daniel to steal the ball on the edge of Rams area, he takes one touch and fires in a perfectly placed shot right in the top corner of the goal, giving Tom Hadler no chance. Wasps take the lead totally against the run of play.
Rams are straight back on the attack, although a little un-settled by the goal, they appear to be really up for the challenge, as first Joe Taylor goes close his shot blocked by Matt Weaire. It’s all Rams as they seem to just want to attack. Eighteenth, Jack Paxman going down the right wing crosses perfectly for brother Alfie toward the back post, he heads home to finish off a wonderful move and pull Rams level.
As Rams continue to go forward crosses coming in from the right as Jack Paxman and Jordan Green are working well together taking it in turns to make runs. Taylor receives one of the crosses and has space to shoot again Weaire is there to block.
Having had numerous corners Rams have another on the left this time, Alfie Paxman fires in the corner right onto the head of Sinnkaye Christie who powers home his header giving Pierson no chance.
Rams not alert from the kick off, as Wasps going down the right for only the second time in the half, another slip at the back sees Oliver Spinks receive the ball in an unmarked position, he fires his shot across Hadler and levels the scores just a minute after Rams had taken the lead.
Rams pick up the pace and Jadama seems to be orchestrating the Rams midfield efforts closing down and making some very effective challengers, as wave after wave of Rams attacks rain down on the Wasps defence. The Wasps somehow manage to survive as they put bodies on the line and ride their luck.
Forty first, Wasps third visit into Rams territory, as they get the ball in the Rams box Zack Lamont goes in and Hadler’s down at his feet to save holding onto the loose ball, thwarting the attack.
Just prior to half time Wasps have a free kick just in the Rams half, the ball gets headed on but Hadler is alert and collects in the air. Rams are looking very good and should have possibly made more of the chances they had.
Wasps come out in the second half, having obviously been told they are still in the game at two all, a cracking strike from Alex Andrade-Filipe grazes a beaten Hadler’s post as Wasps have a renewed approach.
After a good five minutes the Rams get back in control, after some good build up play they get the ball through to Taylor another shot blocked for another corner, Pierson punches away the in swinging corner to clear but the ball is coming straight back at the Wasps, the Rams can sense that the game is their’s for the taking.
Wasps have a goal kick, Pierson kicks a short one out, his defender not watching the ball or Alfie Paxman who nips in steals the ball and sets a perfect pass for Taylor to run onto and fire in Rams third.
The game is now all Rams as they press forward, a super pass inside from Jadama to Green in the area, he’s going wide of goal and turns too quickly for the defender who brings Green down for a Rams penalty. Taylor picks up the ball, places it on the spot, takes a couple of strides, shoots low and hard to Pierson’s left, Pierson’s down quickly getting a hand to the ball but he’s unable to keep it out.
Sixty second, a Wasps free kick fired into the Rams area, headed out to Jadama who virtually runs the length of the pitch before passing to Green who should have shot first time but takes a touch and is quickly closed down.
Seventieth, Rams double substitution in a short space of time, with Jadama and Alfie Paxman going off for Joe Turner and Benni Bioletti.
A sweeping move as Rams go forward again, Taylor out to Bioletti crosses into Turner, Weaire is there again to block the effort.
Seventy eighth, as Rams continue the assault on the Wasps goal, a long range effort from Matthew Attenbrough-Warren goes inches wide of a static Pierson’s goal. Wasps seem to be stuck in their own half again now.
Rams attack down the right. Turner wins another corner, crossed over, flicked on by Attenborough-Warren for Christie to head home his second and Rams fifth. Rams knowing how important every goal is as they go top of the table on goals scored.
Ninetieth, Rams final substitution, Green makes way for Leo Moore receiving his first team league debut as we go into added time.
Still enough time for Moore with an incisive pass from the back up to Bode Anidugbe in the centre circle, he spins round and places a perfectly weighted pass for Taylor to run through and with just Pierson to beat he fires home for his hattrick and Rams sixth.
Rams have rounded off a perfect display topping the league, with the big game to come on Saturday against rivals Cray Valley PM.
Attendance: 137
RFSA player of the match: Joe Taylor.
The Teams:
WASPS: 1Matte Pierson, 2Zack Lamont, 3Alex Andrade Filipe, 4Ryan Green, 5Jasper Tetlow, 6Matthew Weaire, 7Connor Tighe, 8Michael Wilson , 15Omar Folkes, 10Oliver Spinks, 11Matthew Daniel
Subs: 12Glenn Wilson, 14Pacey Bean, 16Bobby Dunn, 17Oluremi Onabanjo, 9Adam Lonsdale
RAMS: 1Tom Hadler, 3Jack Parter, 4Alex Brefo, 6Bode Anidugbe, 8Jack A Paxman, 9Joe Taylor, 10Jordan Green, 11Alfie Paxman, 12Matthew Attenborough-Warren, 18Sinnkaye Christie, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs: 2Leo Moore, 5Craig Stone, 7Benny Bioletti, 13Archie Simmons, 19Joe Turner
Season decider this Saturday!!@