By Darius Sarrafan
Ramsgate and Cheshunt played out an entertaining 1-1 draw on a day where plenty more goals could’ve been scored. The Rams displayed great character in Lee Martin’s first match in charge to fight back from a goal down, and in truth will feel disappointed they didn’t come away with all three points.
Martin restored Mitchell May and Ryan Kingsford to the starting eleven in place of Lewis Gard and the injured Benny Bioletti, whilst Henry Lukombo replaced Ian Gayle. The visitors had led at half time through George Nunn’s goal, but substitute Donvieve Jones equalised with 12 minutes to go to ensure it was a share of the spoils.
The Rams had started the game the stronger, with Mitchell May heading just over the bar after a long throw was allowed to bounce in the box in the 5th minute. Nunn opened the scoring nine minutes later after planting an effort past Aiden Prall from eight yards following a slick move down the right.
TJ Jadama hit the post for the home side after being played through by Tom Clifford three minutes later before Alfie Paxman headed over the bar from Kingsford’s cross. May cut inside and curled an effort just wide of the left hand post before the break. The Rams’ number nine had a further chance before the break but could only lob a tame effort straight at Henry Blackledge when well placed.
Joe Taylor agonisingly saw the ball rebound off him inside the six yard box early in the second half – the ball just not dropping for him before the visitors bundled it behind. Prall was called into action during the first ten minutes of the second half – saving well from Arthur Iontton and Jesse Effa, whilst Sam Granville shot over when well placed. Blackledge was then called into action on the hour to tip wide a well driven shot from eighteen yards out by Ben Mundele.
Ramsgate continued to keep the pressure on, with Taylor seeeping May’s cross straight into the grateful arms of Blackledge before the equaliser arrived in the 78th minute. A free kick was clipped into the box, and Raphe Brown headed the ball back across goal . Substitute Jones was on hand to tap home from six yards out.
The pressure continued to mount on the Cheshunt goal, but try and they might the home side couldn’t find a winner. Jadama headed straight at Blackledge with the last action of the game after a ball was clipped into the box, but honours even was how it remained.
The Rams are next in action with another home game this coming Tuesday 11th November, with Kent rivals Chatham Town the visitors to the WW Martin Community Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:45pm.
Ramsgate: Prall, Mundele (Jones), Lukombo, Brown, Clifford, Paxman, Jadama, Munday, Kingsford (Gard), May, Taylor (Ajayi). Subs: Gayle, Asante.
Star man: Billy Munday.
