ramsvtham060404

Rams comeback dents Thamesmead's title challenge

Seven goal thriller for loyal fans who brave elements and Highbury clash on TV

Ramsgate  4-3 Thamesmead Town
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Tuesday 6 April 2004
by Steve Redford

Whilst too many people sat at home watching ‘live’ football, those who braved the elements were served up a footballing treat not seen at Southwood in my memory.

It all started well for the Rams when from the kick off they surged forward and forced a spectacular save from Northwood. Thamesmead responded well and a classic was under way an end to end battle, with some excellent passing moves from both teams and that despite the deluge of rain and hail. On four minutes Thamesmead took the lead a near post flick on was met by the unchallenged Pedro Knight, an old Rams favourite, his header leaving Twyman with only the option of collecting the ball from the back of the net.

The Rams continued to play some good football, Pettit and Kerslake combining well with Robinson and Takaloo up front, Warren Schulz and Shane Suter holding the midfield, but with 15 minutes on the clock Power rose above the normally solid Rams defence to head home a second for Thamesmead. As conditions worsened so it seemed would Ramsgate’s fate Twyman was booked for a colliding with Thomas in a sliding tackle and from the resulting free kick  the Rams defence was rooted to the spot, Kearley getting the deftest of touches claimed the Meads third.

At 3-0 down at the half way mark it seemed inevitable that the Mead would move to within a point of table toppers and the Rams next visitors VCD, but…

From the start of the second period the Rams were transformed they played with greater urgency and their quick passing moves down both flanks began to upset Thamesmead’s rhythm. Ramsgate replaced the ineffective Robinson with Robertson, and within seconds had pulled a goal back. Ollie Schulz climbing above the defenders to head home his third of the season for the Rams.

The Rams were now in full control and Thamesmead were forced to defend deeper, when Ollie Schulz scored his and Ramsgate’s second on 64 minutes you sensed there was more to come, and more there was.  Takaloo latched onto Suters through ball in the 72^nd minute and from the edge of the box hit a sweet shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net.

Anyone who thought Jim Ward would be satisfied with that was wrong he urged the team to press for the winning goal, it was Warren Schulz who obliged, some good build up play left Lane wide and in space on the Ramsgate right, he cut the ball back to Schulz whose volley sailed past the despairing Northwood and sent the Rams into raptures.

Seven goals, five from headers, a come back from 3-0 down, these are things rarely seen at Southwood, shame such a small crowd witnessed it!

Just proves to people you can watch great football at your local football club instead of watching Arsenal and Chelsea in the Champions League on television.

Send in your club's news and match reports, and we'll publish them!
stephen@mccartney2000.fsnet.co.uk