Rams Secure Dramatic Opening Day Victory in Thrilling Encounter
In a pulsating season opener at the WW Martin Community Stadium, Ramsgate clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory against a resilient Whitehawk side, sealed by a dramatic stoppage-time penalty.
The match, characterized by high pressing, physicality, and moments of quality, showcased the hosts’ attacking intent and composure under pressure.
The Rams wasted no time asserting dominance, taking the lead in the 4th minute. TJ Jadama’s pinpoint ball over the top found Ryan Kingsford, who beat the offside trap. After rounding the keeper and being fouled, Kingsford’s tap fell to Lewis Gard, who calmly slotted home from six yards.
The early goal set the tone for the Rams’ high-pressing game plan, with Jadama dictating play from midfield. In the 8th minute, his relentless closing down forced a mistake from the Whitehawk keeper, allowing Bioletti a chance, though his scuffed shot was comfortably saved.
Whitehawk, physical and direct, disrupted the flow with attritional play, but the Rams maintained control. On 20 minutes, Harry Webster’s burst to the byline produced a dangerous low cross, only for the Whitehawk keeper to intervene decisively.
The hosts’ persistence paid off in the 38th minute with a moment of brilliance. Benny Bioletti’s exquisite pass into the right channel released Billy Munday, whose inch-perfect low cross was met by Kingsford at the far post for a clinical finish, doubling the lead to 2-0 at halftime.
The second half saw Whitehawk respond with renewed vigor. Five minutes after the break, a poorly cleared corner led to Kingsford’s back-post cross, but Munday’s glancing header drifted wide. In the 54th minute, Whitehawk squandered a golden opportunity when Harry Bridle looped a shot wide after a hooked ball into the box.
However, a minute later, they capitalized on their momentum. The ball was worked to Rob O’Toole on the right side of the area, and his fierce shot across keeper Prall nestled into the far corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The game grew tense as both sides traded chances. In the 61st minute, another Whitehawk corner caused chaos, but Florian Kastrati failed to connect cleanly, sending the ball wide. The Rams’ opportunity to seal the game came in the 73rd minute when Garrett’s incisive run set up Webster, who was fouled in the box.
Paxman stepped up but dragged his penalty wide of the left post. Whitehawk pounced on the miss, equalizing a minute later when a corner wasn’t cleared, and the ball was guided home by Bridle, setting up a frantic finale.
As both teams pushed for a winner, the Rams’ persistence paid off in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Garrett’s driving run to the byline and cutback found Munday, whose goalbound shot was handled, earning a second penalty. This time, Paxman redeemed himself, sending the keeper the wrong way and firing into the bottom right corner.
The Rams held firm to secure a 3-2 victory, a testament to their attacking flair and resilience in a thrilling opening-day triumph.
Ramsgate: Prall, Webster, Barnes, Brown, Binnom-Williams, Gard (Grant), Munday, Kingsford (Garrett), Bioletti, Paxman, Jadama. Subs: Todd, Jackson, Jobe.
Star man: Ryan Kingsford.
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