By Darius Sarrafan
A huge crowd of 2083 witnessed an entertaining encounter under the lights at the WW Martin Community Stadium, which somehow ended up honours even between Ramsgate and Aveley.
The Rams were left to rue a high level of misfortune after dominating the game for long periods against their high flying opponents.
Manager Lee Martin made two changes to the team that defeated Carshalton Athletic last time out, with Raphe Brown replacing Harry Webster and Jordan Higgs coming into the starting lineup to make his debut for the Rams. Fellow new signings Arthur Penney and Rolando Onu were named amongst the substitutes.
Solomon Ogunwomoju’s header opened the scoring shortly after half-time, before Anthony Church equalised with a header of his own just after the hour. A mixture of heroic, last ditch defending and some fortunate bounces ensured the Millers left with a point.
It was an even opening to the game, with chances at a premium in the first half. Malachi Napa’s goalbound strike was deflected just past the post by Aveley’s Ollie Peters, whilst Billy Munday had a goal disallowed for a very tight offside call on Napa.
The Rams also had a strong penalty appeal waved away by referee Phillip Harris after TJ Jadama’s goalbound shot appeared to strike a defender’s arm. The officials would end up frustrating the home side on more than just this occasion during the game.
The home side went in front after Benny Bioletti’s cross was headed home from six yards by Ogubwomoju just three minutes into the second half. Higgs went close on 56 minutes after Taphe Brown had headed a set piece across goal, but his header went straight into the hands of Aveley goalkeeper Caleb Ansen.
Jesse Nwabueze shot narrowly wide from distance shortly after, before the Millers grabbed a scarcely deserved equaliser just after the hour. Church glanced home a well guided delivery from the left touchline to level the scoring very much against the run of play.
Referee Harris had awarded the visitors a very soft free-kick in the leadup to the equaliser, and the home side were incensed moments later when he adjudged Napa to have taken a dive despite contact being made with him inside the box.
Harry Webster forced Aveley keeper Caleb Ansen late on when he saved a goalbound header, with Paxman shooting over in the aftermath. Substitute Ainu found himself running towards goal shortly after, but a strong challenge that Harris deemed to be fair denied him just before he could strike towards goal.
Despite constant Ramsgate pressure in a display of utter dominance, the visitors held on and will be delighted in taking a very fortuitous point back to Essex. The Rams are next in action tonight (March 3), with a rearranged match away at Dartford. Kickoff is at 7:45pm.
Ramsgate: Addai, Bioletti (Webster), Brown, Gayle, Clifford, Paxman, Higgs (Onu), Munday, Jadama (Penney), Ogunwomoju (Cundle), Napa. Sub: Ebuzoeme.
Star man: Alfie Paxman.
