By Darius Sarrafan
Three goals translated into three points for Ramsgate as they impressively saw off in-form Chichester City in freezing conditions at the WW Martin Community Stadium.
Manager Lee Martin made three changes from the side that were so unlucky in defeat to Folkestone Invicta, with new signing Kweku Lucan leading the line up front with Solomon Ogunwomoju. Harry Webster also came into the starting lineup having extended his loan spell until the end of the season.
It was a fast start from the Rams, with Ogunwomoju heading just wide following great work by Lucan down the right, before they took the lead inside five minutes. Webster swung a corner into the back post, and Ian Gayle was on hand to tap home from close range after a corner was helped back across the box by the lively Ogunwomoju.
Three minutes later, Lucan skipped past a defender with ease before firing just over the crossbar from just inside the box. The same player was found by Olumwomoju in the tenth minute, finding space in behind before volleying over the top of the goal.
The front two were causing all sorts of problems for the Chichester backline, with their dynamic movement and intricate linkup play delighting the home crowd.
On 25 minutes, the two linked up again before Olomwomoju’s shot was blocked. The loose ball fell to Alfie Paxman on the edge of the box, but his shot took a deflection which took the sting out of it – and Chichester keeper Kieran Magee dived gratefully on the loose ball.
The visitors saw more of the ball after this, growing into the game as the half went on. The Rams, however, remained resolute in defence – allowing just one half-chance during the remainder of the first half. Lloyd Rowlatt’s fierce shot from the edge of the area was palmed away by Dillon Addai.
Ramsgate fans have become accustomed to seeing their team start the second half quickly this season, and there was to be more of the same in this game. Lucan wasn’t to be denied in the opening seconds of the second period, turning home TJ Jadama’s cross to make it 2-0.
Fellow debutant Greg Cundle came off the bench for Ogunwomoju shortly afterwards, and he curled a free kick just wide of goal on 55 minutes. Jadama then flicked a header goalwards from Paxman’s cross, but Magee made a smart save to deny him.
Chichester introduced last season’s Isthmian Premier League top goalscorer Jimmy Wild off the bench, and he crashed a fierce shot off the top of the crossbar with twenty minutes remaining as the visitors searched for a route back into the game.
Benny Bioletti, on as a half-time substitute, flicked a header wide from another Paxman cross, before Miles Obodo pulled a goal back for the visitors eight minutes from time. A driving run in the right channel saw him beat Webster, and his low shot beat Addai with the aid of a deflection.
The Rams shot-stopper was on hand to save smartly at his near post from Wild, before Jadama’s brilliant solo effort sealed the points with a minute to go. A mazy run that started inside his half saw him beat three players before he slotted past Magee to make the points safe for the home side.
Match result, 3-1 to the Rams.
It was an excellent performance full of energy and commitment, with the new signings shining. Evolution is the buzzword around the Rams right now – and it continues with another home game against Lewes at the WW Martin Community Stadium this coming Saturday 17th January. Kick off is at 3pm.
Rams: Addai, Webster (Young), Lukombo, Gayle, Brown (Bioletti), Clifford (Nunn), Munday, Jadama, Lucan (May), Ogunwomoju (Cundle).
Star man: Ian Gayle
