By Darius Sarrafan (Ramsgate FC)
The Isthmian League South East Champion Rams signed off on a season that will never be forgotten by playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw away to runners-up Sittingbourne on a gorgeous spring day.
Four changes were made from their last outing, with Aaron Barnes, Olumide Oluwatimilehin, Kai Garrett and Alfie Paxman coming in to start.
The Brickies started the game quickly in front of a crowd of 698 – with just under 300 Rams fans making the journey. Liam Smith headed a corner just wide in the 5th minute before they took the lead six minutes later. Mitchell May sharply cut out Jay Leader’s attempted backpass, and he calmly slotted past Henry Newcombe from 18 yards into the bottom-left corner of the goal.
It was 2-0 just a few minutes later as May nodded in from close range after Donvieve Jones headed another corner across the face of goal. Ryan Kingsford then went close twice in quick succession, shooting just over from the edge of the box before forcing Newcombe into action to save his flicked effort.
The Rams weren’t to be deterred though, and whilst many sides in their situation would’ve taken it easy, this certainly wasn’t the case for the league winners. Youngster Garrett has shown quality in his substitute appearances this season, and he was to take full advantage of his first league start for the club by being instrumental in the visitors drawing level.
First, his dipping shot from the right corner of the box beat Brickies keeper Connor Beattie to make it 2-1, before a lovely move involving Joe Taylor and Paxman resulted in the latter’s cross being turned in by Garrett after the hosts had failed to clear – bringing the scores level in the process.
Sittingbourne again had a fast start after the interval, with Antonio Morgan shooting just wide after dispossessing Barnes before they took the lead again on 47 minutes. Kingsford cut inside from the right, and his shot from 20 yards took a deflection before nestling into the back of the net.
It didn’t take the Rams long to respond though, and they were level just three minutes later. A trademark Roarie Deacon corner from the left was nodded into the bottom right corner of the goal by Joe Ellul right in front of the sizeable and noisy away contingent. It was a back and forth game with both sets of players visibly enjoying the pressure-free feel.
The Brickies had their chances to win the game, with both Kingsford and Ade Azeez missing good chances inside the box. Sub Fin Waddell, just 16 years of age, produced a brilliant goal saving challenge to deny Azeez late on as there were to be no further goals.
Whilst the Brickies move on into the Playoffs, the Rams players and supporters celebrated one last time at the final whistle – with beaming smiles all around. Focus now turns onto next season – and season tickets are available now!
With early bird prices at just £130 for adults and £95 for concessions, football in Thanet has never been such good value! You can purchase your season tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/4z7nxn2s
Ramsgate: Newcombe, Barnes, Ellul, Leader (Gard), Clifford (Waddell), Oluwatimilehin (Jadama), Deacon (Ajayi), Munday, Garrett (Bioletti), Paxman, Taylor.
