Ramsgate 5-0 East Grinstead
Ramsgate took on East Grinstead knowing that a win would keep us top of the table with just seven games remaining in the season.
In team news player/manager Jamie Coyle made his return to the starting line up while Gil Carvalho replaced Rowan Liburd. Tom Carlse was still ruled out under concussion protocols.
The game started at a rip roaring pace and Pierson in the East Grinstead goal had to be alert to push away a low Carvalho effort for a corner.
On eight minutes Paxman then had an effort that was deflected wide, the corner was delivered but only half cleared to Paxman and he stood the ball up to the far post where Carvalho was there to head home.
20 minutes and East Grinstead had their first effort on goal as Daniel went through one on one with Bexon but he dragged his shot wide.
On 27 minutes a huge shout for a penalty as Carvalho slipped the ball through to Aboagye who went down after what looked like a push in the back but the referee wasn’t interested.
Minutes later and East Grinstead were through again one on one against Bexon but yet again they missed the target.
Into the second half and the ball was played over the top to Carvalho who was stretching to get onto the bouncing ball and could only divert his effort over the bar
On the hour mark Liburd replaced Bamba for the home side and this instantly gave Ramsgate a focal point upfront.
65 minutes and Miller had the ball on the left hand side and looked to carry the ball forward as Savane came in with a very late challenge and was sent off. Luckily Ashley was fine to continue and it was Miller who set up the second goal of the game with a near post corner, Jadama stole a march on his the defender and converted from close range despite Piersons desperate efforts in goal.
77 minutes and Rowland replaced Miller and was soon in the thick of the action unleashing a thunderous strike which Pierson did well to stop but the ball rebounded to Liburd who made no mistake from close range.
Into the last five minutes now and East Grinsteads’ belief had gone as Liburd finished off a slick Rams move to make it 4-0 and then he completed his hattrick on 87 minutes with a delicious finish as Ramsgate secured a 5-0 victory and went four points clear at the top of the table.
Player of the Match-Rowan Liburd
*Photos credit to Louis McLaren Photography
