By pitchside reporter Andy Mason
Ramsgate 2 Lancing 1
31 Coyle 75 Jadama (og)
45 Osinflolarin
It was a fresh autumnal day at the sunny WW Martin community stadium, with a strong breeze blowing from the airport end towards the town.
Rams were coming into this game after a midweek FA Trophy defeat away at Littlehampton, very few Rams supporters were able to make the midweek trek which was about a 6 hour round trip. They were certainly hoping for an improved performance this game to keep their un-beaten league run going.
All was set for kick off with a moment’s time to reflect, before a rousing God save the King.
First half was underway with Rams kicking towards the airport end and into the wind, a fairly slow start from both sides with no goal mouth action, Lee Hook in the Ramsgate goal at a young 43 years would be pleased to have little to do.
The 15th and Ajayi wriggled through but was stopped just before he got a shot away. The 19th and Rams forced into an early sub as Aboagye picked up an injury, Emptage came on. First shot of the game was on target from Jadama, easily collected by Secka in the Lancing goal.
The 24th and a Rams cross from wide left by Osinfolarin was held up on the wind for an easy collection by keeper Secka. The 25th and the first corner of the game to Lancing, cross comes over but too high for the on-coming Lancing attack.
The 31st and Rams attack, a cross from Peck, headed by Jadama, ball drops to Coyle to fire home and give Rams the lead. The 33rd and a Lancing long throw cleared for a long range shot well over Hook’s crossbar. The 34th and Rams were forcing the play a little more. In the 39th a sub for Lancing as Veneti, their dangerman, comes off injured and Bayoko comes on.
Rams were using the left throughout the first half for their best attacks with some excellent crosses into the danger area from Hanfrey with a sweet left foot. At the 43rd Peck played in, Jadama swivels and shoots forcing an excellent save from Secka. The 44th and Rams were pressing down the right as Legrange rashly tackled inside the box, penalty for the Rams. Osinflorarin stepped up and fired under Secka to put Rams 2 up just as we entered half time.
Underway in the second half Rams were with the wind at their backs. The 52nd sees intricate work by Peck in front of goal, his shot deflected up for the Secka to easily catch. The 53rd and Lancing sub Powell is off for Stephenson.
Rams were with back to back corners as they searched for another goal to seal the match. Lancing played some good football but the final ball was lacking for them upfront. The 58th and great defensive work from Hanfrey as he took control at the back to block a Lancing attack. 60th and Lancing have a penalty appeal waved away and attack on the break with Ajayi working a little magic down the right crossing, Rams had a couple of blocked attempts.
67th and Rams sub coming off, Peck for Redwood, as Rams tried to hold the advantage. Lancing press in the 68th and Fuller shot forcing a great save from Hook who was called into action for the first time as the visitors linked up some play.
In the 75th Lancing pressed again, winning a dangerous free kick which was defended well by the Rams, although winning another free kick it fired in and unfortunately Jadama, in an attempt to clear, heads in to his own goal.
The 79th and Rams sub off Jadama for Paxman. Hook came into the game as Rams were defending. Fantastic back to back saves keep Rams slender lead. The 75thand Rams broke, Rowland battled for the ball wide right, broke through to shoot into the side netting. The 88th and a great block from Coyle on the floor to retain Rams lead . In the 90th Hook again to Rams rescue saving low to his near post. Rams clear and broke through, Ajayi with no effort in his finish.
End to end as Lancing searched for the equaliser, Rams defending as Hanfrey went into the back of Lancing’s attacker, giving Lancing a late penalty. 93rd and Fuller stepped up and Hook saved. The 94th and Hook has another good save to keep Rams slender lead and take all 3 points, moving them to the top of the table.
Teams:
Ramsgate:- 1Lee Hook, 2Jerald Aboagye, 4Jamie Coyle, 7Callum Peck, 8Lee Prescott, 9Kane Rowland, 14Joshua Ajayi, 15Tom Hanfrey, 17Ben Fitchett, 18Theo Osinfolarin, 20Tijan Jadama
Subs
3Leon Redwood, 5Callum Emptage, 6Denzelle Olopade, 12Jack Paxman, 16Sammi Takalobighashi
Lancing:- 1Alieu Secka, 2Jake Legrange, 3Mohamed Joumaa Zabadne, 4Finn Daniels-Yeomans, 5Thomas Butler, 6Marcus Allen, 7Marcel Powell, 8Darius Goldsmith, 9Louis Veneti, 10Billy Fuller 11Faris Khallouqi
Subs
12Sean Stephenson, 14Ben Bayoko, 15James Hatch, 16Ash Mutongerwa, 17Ben Hack
Attendance: 612
Ram of the match: Lee Hook
Entertainment: 4*
Rams next in action:
20 Sep away Faversham Town 19.45 ko
28 Sep Home Hythe Town Velocity Cup 19.30 ko
01 Oct away VCD Athletic 15.00 ko