Whitehawk 1-3 Ramsgate
Ramsgate arrived at Whitehawk on the back of an impressive victory over Ashford but knowing they were facing a team who proudly boasted an unbeaten home league record.
Jamie Coyle didn’t recover from a rib injury in time and was replaced by Ben Fitchett while new signing Nathan Wood went straight into the starting line up for suspended Josh Ajayi.
The match kicked off in very damp conditions and the pitch looked very heavy as the Rams attacked downhill in the first half and it was Ramsgate who looked the brightest early on as Miller got in a good position wide on the right and swung in a cross that just evaded debutant Wood.
Whitehawk were targeting the visitors left hand side and were working an overload using the pace of Lambert who managed to put in some good crosses but Fitchett in particular was there to propel any danger.
On 24 minutes Miller cut in front the right and unleashed a shot that sailed over the bar and shortly after Paxman had a shot blocked from the edge of the area.
The Hawks were keeping Ramsgate honest on the counter attack but on the stroke of half time excellent work from Miller saw him get into a good area and shoot, the ball hit the post but Kane Rowland was on hand to tap home from close range and Ramsgate went into the break one to the good.
Into the second half and Whitehawk attacking their favoured end were quickly on the front foot and Ramsgate were being forced into hurried clearances and desperate blocks. They couldn’t keep the home side at bay though as on 48 minutes a cross from Lambert was glanced at goal by Cooper and it nestled into Bexon’s goal to make it one a piece.
The response from Ramsgate was instant and impressive as Jadama lofted a ball over the home defence and Miller was running onto it, Glover in goal came half way out but this just made Ashley’s mind up for him as he lifted the ball over the stranded keeper and into the net to make it 2-1 to The Rams.
The next 15 minutes were all Whitehawk as they had a spell of sustained pressure. Balls came into the box and were headed clear, wingers got round the side of the Ramsgate defence and flashed balls across the box but the final touch never materialised and Harris tried his luck from distance but Bexon made an excellent stop.
Into the 78th Minute and the ball found it’s way to Rowland who surrounded by three defenders, twisted, turned and then unleashed a left footed shot past Glover to secure the win, end Whitehawk’s unbeaten home record and increase Ramsgate’s lead at the top of Isthmian South East to five points.
Player of the match- Kane Rowland
