By Darius Sarrafan
Saturday’s trip to Aveley proved to be an afternoon that brought both change and reflection for Ramsgate — marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Despite falling to a 5–0 defeat, it became a day that celebrated Ben Smith’s remarkable contribution to the club and looked ahead to new horizons with Lee Martin stepping in as interim manager.
Smith, who guided the Rams through some of the club’s most memorable recent moments, recalled Tom Clifford and Billy Munday into the starting eleven following their suspensions, with Donvieve Jones returning to the bench as he continued his comeback from injury.
The game itself began in challenging fashion, with the hosts racing into an early lead through Chris Harris before an unfortunate own goal doubled the deficit. Harris added another soon after to make it 3–0, leaving Ramsgate facing an uphill battle against a confident Aveley side.
Alfie Paxman went close with a free kick midway through the half, while Aiden Prall produced several fine saves to keep the scoreline in check. Despite the efforts of the Rams back line, the hosts struck again before half-time to make it four.
Joe Taylor came close to pulling one back early in the second half, his effort cleared off the line, but Aveley added a fifth through Ryan Henshaw late on to round off the scoring.
While the result wasn’t what the Rams had hoped for, the afternoon became a moment of collective pause — acknowledging how far the club has come under Smith’s leadership and the foundations now in place for the next phase of its journey.
The travelling Rams supporters once again showed what makes this club special — loyalty, passion, and a shared belief in what’s to come.
Attention now turns to a fresh start, with Cheshunt United visiting the WW Martin Community Stadium this Saturday for Lee Martin’s first game in interim charge. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Ramsgate: Prall, Mundele (Ajayi), Gayle, Brown, Clifford (Kingsford), Gard (May), Munday, Jadama, Bioletti (Lukombo), Paxman, Taylor. Subs: Jones.
