AFC Wimbledon are favourites to land title, admits Ramsgate boss - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

AFC Wimbledon make their second visit to Kent of the new year on Saturday and Ramsgate boss Jim Ward believes he will be watching the Ryman Premier League champions in action at Southwood Stadium, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ward has watched the Dons on three occasions this season, including their 3-1 win at Hayes Lane against a Bromley side that are also vying for promotion, and has been impressed every time.

But Ward knows his side are more than capable of collecting all three points against a side that have two points less than the Thanet side.

“Something else to look forward to,” said Ward EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“Looking forward to pitting my wits against Dave Anderson, somebody who I’ve got to known and respect over the last couple of years.

“Dave has got one of the best jobs in non-league football, and all the pressures that come with it.”

AFC Wimbledon may come to Thanet sitting in ninth place in the table on 37 points but if they win their two games in hand they will be only one point behind current leaders, Margate.

“I think they’re favourites to win the league,” admitted Ward, whose side are level on points with the side they pipped to the Ryman League Division One South title last term, Horsham.

“I think they are the best team in the league. I’ve seen them three time now, once they played us, last night, and earlier in the season.

“We had a great result up there, nil-nil, and last night they were comfortable winners against Bromley. Without wanting to upset anyone else, I will make them the favourites.”

Despite handing their visitors the favourites tag, Ward’s men will certainly not lay down and die on home soil.

Only Tonbridge Angels have come away from their fortress at Southwood Stadium with all three points in the bag.

“Don’t get me wrong, as far as I’m concerned, Saturday is all about Ramsgate Football Club,” said Ward.

“A fantastic day for me and my players. We have a great tradition to keep up. We don’t let anyone come here and dominate us - no body has.

“Even the game we lost, I felt we should have won against Tonbridge.”

“My boys just want to play what’s put in front of them and this is like a cup tie for us if you like.

“This will be a fantastic day for the supporters, a good day out and gives us a chance to beat them at home (where) we will be the only team to take four points off them.”

Ward, meanwhile, is delighted that his side are mixing it with such great company in the higher reaches of the Ryman Premier League table.

He added: “I’m two points behind Bromley and two points in front of Wimbledon and they’ve played two games less.

“If you had offered me that at the start of the season I would have snapped your hand off.”

Ollie Schulz misses the match as he still has to serve his one-match suspension.

NOTICE TO SUPPORTERS

Ramsgate Football Club officials have today finalised arrangements for Saturday’s game.

The Clubhouse will be open from 12pm and the turnstiles at 1.30pm.

The match will be segregated, with both sets of fans having access to half of the covered stand as well as refreshment and toilet facilities. Alcoholic drinks, glass bottles and unopened cans will not be permitted in the ground.

The Club has arranged for additional stewards and the police will be present with their CCTV unit before, during and after the game.

Admission prices are £8 Adults, £5 Senior Citizens & Under 16s, and £2 Under 12s (if accompanied by an adult).

The clubhouse will remain open during the first half of the match but will not serve drinks after the half-time interval until 15 minutes after the final whistle. Drinks cannot be taken out of the clubhouse.

Parking is extremely limited within the ground and the car park is likely to fill up quickly. Any blue badge holders requiring a reserved parking space should contact the Stadium Manager prior to 12pm on Saturday.

Visit Ramsgate’s website www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Ramsgate v AFC Wimbledon
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 6^th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN