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Ramsgate hit Chatham for six

Ramsgate 6-0 Chatham Town
MUSH Kent Youth League Under 18 South
Sunday 21 March 2004
by John Vahid

Ramsgate’s Under 18s probably produced their best overall display of the season so far, with a six-nil demolition of high-flying Chatham Town, who previously had only conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game. The result puts the Rams up into 3^rd place in the League, one place above Chatham by a single point but with a far healthier goal difference.

The match at Southwood Stadium was played in very windy conditions, more suitable for sailing than football.  In the first half Ramsgate had the wind in their faces against a very useful and strong Chatham Town outfit, which settled first and had the home defence pegged back for the first ten minutes.

With regular ‘keeper Lee Pilcher missing through a broken bone in his foot, defender Clayton Barnett took up the position between the sticks and, despite early pressure, the home defence and ‘keeper held firm. 

It didn’t take Ramsgate too long to get into their stride however, and in the 16^th minute a threaded ball from defence put right midfielder Tim McArthur through, his run through the maze of defenders being finished with a fine low right-footed shot that left the Chatham ‘keeper helpless.

From then on Ramsgate grew in confidence and began to run the show and it was no surprise that in the 39^th minute the home side doubled their lead when Billy Summers chipped the ‘keeper from the edge of the box to take the score to 2-0.

Chatham were not without their own chances however, and just before the break stand in ‘keeper Barnett made a fine save to ensure Ramsgate went in at half time with a clean sheet and two goals to the good.

In the second half with the wind at their back Ramsgate upped the tempo and goals kept flowing at regular intervals.

 In the 53^rd minute Ross Howells headed home from a corner, and Zach Zacharia made it 4-0 shortly after when he prodded home a loose ball from the six yard line that had rebounded from the crossbar.

By this time Ramsgate were so much in command that two defenders, Andy Hadden (75 minutes) and Emlyn Taylor (83 minutes) added their names to the score sheet. 

At the final whistle the Ramsgate Manager was pleased with his young team, especially against the elements, and confirmed “I was particularly pleased with stand in ‘keeper Clayton Barnett, who was only told he was in goal that morning, and man of the match midfield player Tim McArthur, who made an outstanding contribution to the game in difficult conditions. This was just reward for all the hard work the lads have done over the last few months; this result has been coming for weeks. I now see us as real contenders for a top two finish, if not the title itself.”

Next Sunday 28^th March, Ramsgate Under 18s are away to Ashford Town, whilst the Under 16s will be at home to Milton Athletic, both games having an 11am kickoff. 

Ramsgate:    Clayton Barnett; Chris Verdicchio (James Grainger 67 Mins); Andrew Hadden; Kieran Morris (Capt); Emlyn Taylor; Stuart Elliot (Jamie Rushton 79 mins); Tim McArthur; Oliver Donohoe; Billy Summers (Kenny Pratt 67 mins) ; Ross Howells: Zach Zacharia