Three places are up for grabs in my opening day team, reveals Ward

Sunday 02nd August 2009

RAMSGATE boss Jim Ward says he’s got two pre-season friendlies to fine tune his squad ahead of their Ryman League Division One South campaign, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Rams, who finished bottom of the Ryman Premier League last season, have written off that miserable campaign and hopes are high of an immediate return at the end of last season.

“We don’t talk about last season,” Ward told www.kentishfootball.co.uk yesterday, following his side’s eventful 1-1 draw against arch rivals Margate.

Margate collected the Thanet Gazette Cup by beating the Rams 2-1 on aggregate, following their feisty encounter at Southwood Stadium yesterday.

Curtis Robinson’s strike at Hartsdown Park last Tuesday proved to be decisive as the two sides played out an eventful clash in the red half of Thanet.

Lloyd Blackman nodded home Joe Healey’s 28th minute corner to effectively win the game for Terry Yorath’s men.

But Ramsgate drew level six minutes before the break when Warren Schulz through ball released Ben Brown, who dinked the ball over goalkeeper Pat Mullin and beyond defender Jack Haverson.

But controversy arrived early in the second half when Blackman conned the referee by falling to the ground too easily as Schulz tried to clear the ball from inside his penalty area, and after three Ramsgate players were booked, Blackman’s resulting spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Shaun Alliston.

NINE yellow cards were dished out by referee Mr Richard Joss - SEVEN of them were to Ramsgate players - and EIGHT were handed out to both sides during the second half.

The Rams welcome Vandanel Kent County League side Canterbury City to Southwood Stadium on Tuesday night before Maidstone United visit on Saturday.

And when asked what he’s looking for from these two games, the Scot replied, “We want a bit more shape. We’re trying to find a shape to get Jonesey (Sam Jones) on the ball more. He stood out and I think Ben Brown, when he was on the ball.

“Ben’s probably a week behind the most of them. I didn’t want to keep him on for the whole duration - I had to in the end.”

Ward is preparing his squad for the mouth-watering league game at home to promotion rivals Fleet Town on 15th August.

And when asked if he knows his starting eleven against Andy Sinton’s side, Ward replied, “I’ve got two games to go, I would say close-ish. I could put eight names on paper now, on the sheet now. I’ve got some good players here now.

“Andy Sinton will come down here with all guns blazing. He’s got a decent side down there so August is a big month, that and the FA Cup, so we’re looking forward to it.”

With the squad now coached by Richard Langley, what was evident from yesterday is that Ramsgate play more football on the deck.

And Ward played down the hype surrounding locking horns with his previous club, Maidstone United, who are expected to bring a good following to Southwood Stadium next Saturday.

“I’m only looking forward to it because it’s a game,” he said. “What was the crowd today (370 I replied), that was alright. If we can get the same against Maidstone (that would be great!)

And when asked about team news for the Canterbury game, Ward replied, “It will be half and half,” suggesting that he’s going to be giving some of his fringe players a run out.

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

Ramsgate v Canterbury City

Pre-Season Friendly

Tuesday 4th August 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN