By Darius Sarrafan
A committed performance wasn’t enough for Ramsgate as they fell to an opening day defeat at home to Leatherhead on Saturday. The visitors came away 2-1 winners, with Callum Jones bagging a debut goal for the Rams.
A typically sizeable crowd of 1280 flocked to Southwood amid glorious Summer weather, but it was an exhausting day for the players – who had to contend with such heat that World Cup style hydration breaks were enforced midway through each half.
All the goals were scored in the first period of the game. Kofi Anokye-Boadi gave the Tanners the lead inside ten minutes with a shot that deceived Jonny Henly in the Rams goal – nestling in at the near post.
Harry Murphy made it two against the run of play in the 45th minute, firing home after a cross from the right fell invitingly for him at the far post. Jones pulled one back for the Rams on the stroke of halftime, slotting cooly home after good work by Rowan Liburd.
In truth the Rams will feel aggrieved to have only scored one goal during the first 45. Dave Winfield hit the post with a header before just failing to convert a cross minutes later, whilst Billy Munday fired over and Benny Bioletti had a header saved by Sonny Wheeler. The Tanners went close early on from Cameron Black, whose header from a corner was well saved by Jonny Henly.
The second half was well managed by the visitors, with Marcel Barrington going close twice. Wheeler made a great save from Tom Clifford’s rasping effort on the hour, with the rebound just evading Alfie Paxman.
Leatherhead held on to send their travelling contingent home happy and make it 27 games unbeaten away from home. It was a strong performance epitomised by the superb Niren Butler, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club in style.
The Rams will feel disappointed they didn’t grab at least a point, but this game was an epitome as to how competitive the Isthmian Premier League will be this season.
The games have begun in earnest though, with Ramsgate making the long trip to take on Stanway Rovers today (Tuesday 11th August).
Ramsgate: Henly, Ampadu, Winfield, Brown, Clifford, Munday, Gurung, Jones, Bioletti, Paxman, Liburd (Ogunwomoju). Subs: Mann, Cotton, Tullis, Jackson.
Star man: Callum Jones.
