Ramsgate don't fear Brighton in FA Youth Cup showdown - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Thursday 26th October 2006

Ramsgate’s youth team manager Aaron Perry believes his side will dump Brighton & Hove Albion out of the FA Youth Cup next month, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams reached the first round proper after winning a dramatic third qualifying round tie on penalties last night.

Epsom & Ewell, leaders of the Southern Youth League eastern division, found themselves 3-0 down at half-time, courtesy of two goals from Ramsgate captain Niall McCourt and a third from Sammy Brennan.

Then, in the second half, things seemed to go awry for the boys from Thanet.

Although Ramsgate created the better chances following the restart, a shot from Ruben Lavrado that was going wide was deflected into the Rams’ goal off a defender in the 52^nd minute, followed ten minutes later by a penalty by Dan Cunningham to bring the Surrey side back into the game.

Then, in the 70^th minute, a miss-kick by the Rams’ keeper fell at the feet of Lavrado, who made no mistake.

No further goals were scored during the 30 minutes of extra-time, with the tie being decided by penalties, which ended 5-4 in the Rams’ favour (even though an attempted chip from Ramsgate’s McNamee simply came down and bounced harmlessly in front of the Epsom & Ewell goalkeeper).

But Perry firmly believes his side will be victorious against the struggling League One club, which will be played at Bognor Regis’ Town’s Nyewood Lane ground in two weeks time.

He said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “Obviously delighted to go through. It’s a massive game for us and a game we can win.

“Brighton sent a scout down to watch us last night and they know they are in a game.

“Obviously being 3-0 up to go 3-3 then to win a game on penalties, we were quite ecstatic in the end. It was a bit dramatic but there’s nothing wrong with that.

“We believe we can win this game, no doubt about that!"

Perry and his backroom team singled out Epsom’s Ruben Lavrado before the game - and he didn’t disappoint.

“Epsom were a good side,” praised Perry. “Lavrado, the lad we picked out, scored two of their goals and I expect them to be in title contention of their own league.”

But the jubilant manager thanked the support from the 103 strong crowd at Southwood Stadium – and hopes they can make the long tip to Bognor Regis in the second week of November.

“Southwood was buzzing, the crowd were unbelievable,” said Perry. “They gave the players a standing ovation and to the under 18’s that means a lot. The crowd were our 12^th man, signing and shouting during the entire two hours.

“I must give a special thank you to all the people at Ramsgate Football Club for all their help and we would like as much support for the Brighton game as we believe we can win this game.

“Brighton’s youth team are struggling. I think they’ve won only one or two of their games. We are watching their game against Colchester on Saturday but we are not worried about them.”

The team will be making a day off it and will be leaving Ramsgate by coach at 9am for a tour of Brighton, before hopefully dumping their side out of the FA Youth Cup.

Meanwhile, Ramsgate join Gravesend & Northfleet and Gillingham in the first round proper.

The Fleet, 5-1 winners at Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday night, travel to Dunstable Town after they won 5-3 at North Greenford United last night.

Gillingham, meanwhile, welcome Nationwide Conference outfit Stevenage Borough, who broke Kent League Thamesmead Town’s hearts with a 4-2 victory on Monday night.

Match report courtesy of www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk