Danny Ward: We are at Southwood - we expect to win (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

Ramsgate assistant manager Danny Ward insists their next two opponents will have to knock his side over to win at Southwood Stadium, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams defeated full-time outfit Billericay Town at Southwood Stadium on Tuesday night, underneath their new floodlights, as goals from Warren Schulz and James Gregory claimed a morale boosting win.

East Thurrock United are the visitors in the Ryman Premier League tomorrow before Margate visit in the “Battle of Thanet” showdown in the second round of the Westview Cup on Tuesday night.

After losing 3-2 to Kentish rivals Tonbridge Angels on August Bank Holiday Monday, Ward doesn’t want other teams to drive away with all three points in the bag.

Reflecting on their midweek win, Ward EXCLUSIVELY told www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “They were a good side, full-time club. We found it difficult first half, they had a lot of possession, had a couple of chances but we deserved to be one-nil up at half-time.”

But the Ward brothers and the Rams coaching staff instilled belief into the side during the interval and the side responded.

“But we battled on and managed to get them in at half-time, we sat them down and explained to them we were getting more time than we thought we would and we were panicking too much,” revealed Danny Ward.

“First half they were dominant but we were even more dominant second half. We scored two, could have got five and they ran out of ideas as well before the end of the match.

“It was the best we’ve played all season - second half was a joy to watch.”

Looking ahead the clash against East Thurrock United tomorrow, Ramsgate will be aiming to improve on their position of twelve in the table.

“It’s another big game,” said Ward. “We’re at Southwood - we expect too win.

"You’ve been too plenty of games in the last couple of years, any team comes to Southwood and takes points off us, you will deserve them.

"You will have to knock us over to take points away and that’s how we intend to be.

“If we play the same as we did second half on Tuesday that will be enough for us.”

Local bragging rights are at stake on Tuesday night, when the Westview (Ryman) League Cup takes on more importance this season than it has ever before.

“If you give me a choice Saturday or Tuesday, a win out of one of two games, I’d take Saturday,” admitted Ward.

But Ramsgate players, officials and fans - and the two Ward brothers - will want to put one over their neighbours.

Danny Ward added: “We want to win of course, of course we do, we want to win every match. It’s at Southwood and we don’t want Margate to come over to Ramsgate and say “we’ve come to your place and beat you”.

“As I said about the East Thurrock game, playing at Southwood we expect to win.”

Visit Ramsgate's website: www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Ramsgate v East Thurrock United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 9^th September 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate