Ward does his homework on their rivals - EXCLUSIVE

There were celebrations in the red part of Thanet over the weekend as Ramsgate climbed above their neighbours Margate for the first time in 35 years according to Jim Ward last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ward’s local heroes pulled off a great result at surprise package Harrow Borough on Saturday, picking up another three Ryman Premier League points in a 3-1 win, whilst Margate were dumped out of the FA Cup, and missing out on a lucrative fourth qualifying round trip to Woking, as lower league side Potters Bar Town won 2-1 at Hartsdown Park.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk caught up with Ward as he watched Folkestone Invicta’s defeat Hendon at the Buzzlines Stadium last night.

A stunning volley from Adam Flanagan settled the game, which saw Neil Cugley’s side leapfrog over Staines Town into fourteenth place in the table.

Reflecting on Saturday’s win at Earlsmead, Ward said: “A big day for all the fans from Ramsgate, not personally for me as I’m from Dundee, but the people of Ramsgate were telling me all Saturday night it’s the first time for 35 years that Ramsgate have been above Margate in a league competition.

“We could do with getting up another one spot and we’ll be in the play-off’s but it was a good result.

“Tactically me and Danny (Ward) came up with a plan to nullify them and it worked and in the end we could have won by more than 3-1 so we’re pleased with the performance and pleased with the result.”

Worthing visit Southwood Stadium tonight as the Rams look to climb at least one more place and into the play-off berths.

The west Sussex side have yet tasted victory in ten league outings, including a 6-1 thrashing at Tonbridge Angels in their second league game of the season.

“Shows how far the club have come,” said Ward. “Ramsgate Football Club in any other time in their history will never be favourites against Worthing but the bookies will make us favourites on Tuesday night.

“I don’t make us favourites, I make it a really difficult game against a big club.

“Three points is the aim all the time. We’ll be organised, get at them, and if they have any weaknesses we’ll try to exploit them but Worthing will be shown all the respect in the world.”

After tonight’s clash with Worthing, Ward’s side travels to Hendon in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday, before welcoming Folkestone Invicta in the league seven days later.

“I came here tonight (Monday) because we go Worthing, Hendon and Folkestone so I couldn’t miss the game.

“Folkestone were completely different from when I last seen them play against Bromley when they seemed to be carrying a lot of excess baggage. They are certainly not doing that now. They’re full of youngsters, full of local kids. It’s evident their giving their all for the club.

“They’ve got a couple of old heads in there like Adam Flanagan and Mark Saunders but they’ve got plenty of pace and application and I’m pleased they’ve turned it around - as long as we beat them next Saturday.”

Ward will have noticed the impressive displays from wingers Danny Roucco and Dean Green last night, and will surely tell his side to nullify them at the weekend.

“We played them a couple of weeks ago in the league and we were getting beat 2-1 with seven minutes to go and we beat them 4-2. A game we deserved to win more comfortably then what I just said.”

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