I've always been a good admirer of Stuart Vahid, admits Rams boss Jim Ward

Monday 14th February 2011

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says his side are a million miles away from the play-off’s - despite extending their unbeaten run to eight games, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams were indebted to a last-gasp Warren Schulz penalty to grab a point in a 2-2 home draw against struggling Horsham YMCA at the weekend.

“Disappointing performance Saturday, but you’ve got to give the lads’ credit,” said Ward.

“We went behind to a sloppy goal, straight away we responded and the second half it was all us. They hit us on the break and scored and then, ok, 94th minute penalty, but it was a penalty, but we kept going.

“Warren Schulz on his own could have scored half a dozen. We didn’t play great but we created enough chances to win the game - but It’s sloppy goals that I’m concerned about.”

The Rams are in tenth place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 39 points from 30 games - but with ten games left to play Ward admits his side are running out of games to grab a play-off place.

“We’re miles of it,” said the Scot. “We’re building. My two centre halves and my goalkeeper Saturday were all nineteen-year-old each. Although we’ve got experience in the squad it’s taking a long time for the penny to drop for everybody.

“We’re trying to win every game that we play between now and the end of the season, try and do well in the Kent Senior Cup and see if this group of lads’ can learn more.”

Ramsgate travel to fifth-from-bottom Godalming Town on Tuesday night - a club that under Chuck Martini were beaten by Folkestone Invicta in the play-off final last season - but haven’t managed to recover such heights this season.

“We go there full of confidence with a decent squad. I’ve signed the boy from Whitstable, Stuart Vahid, who has won a couple of championships with me in the past, the Kent League and Ryman South, so he’s a good signing for us. I like Stuart. I’ve always been a good admire of Stuart. He’ll make the difference.”

And then it’s a Kent derby away to Faversham Town on Saturday.

Justin Luchford ‘s side will leapfrog over Burgess Hill Town into the play-off’s with an away win over the Hillians on Tuesday night.

Ward added: “They’re a big, strong side. Whatever money he has, he’s spent it wisely. They’re certainly one of the teams that will be up there.”

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

Godalming Town v Ramsgate

Ryman League Division One South

Tuesday 15th February 2011

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Wey Court, Mead Row, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3JE