Ward puts out an appeal to find wingers for FA Cup clash - EXCLUSIVE

“If there is anyone who wants a go at the Ryman Premier - left or right wing, get in touch.”

Yeading, a side that played Premiership giants Newcastle United in recent years whilst a Ryman League club, will be a tough nut to crack.

“Yeading are a club with a history in the FA Cup over the last few years,” Ward said.

“They had that battle against Newcastle United but it’s a chance to pit our wits against a Conference (South) side.

“But we are at home. We have to give it a right good go on Saturday and see where it takes us.”

Ramsgate, along with Folkestone Invicta and Welling United - and Gillingham - were all knocked out at the first round proper stage last season.

And Ward hopes playing the game at “fortress” Southwood Stadium will see his depleted side through.

“People aren’t keen on coming here,” he said. “I haven’t lost too my games here in the two and a half years since I’ve been back.

“A lot of teams come here not wanting to come down to the coast. Southwood has a bit of a reputation - I don’t know why. I think teams know what we are like. People don’t like coming to Southwood.

“We’ve got to try to win the game this Saturday, even though we have a few injuries. All my injuries have come at the same time - all wide players.

But Ward, and no doubt chairman Richard Lawson, have clocked even more miles in their cars, watching the west Londoners.

“We’ve had them watched,” revealed Ward. “Obviously we’ve done as much homework as we can on them.

“We will give them as much respect as we do. We do things professionally here. We give all teams respect, even Kent League teams. No doubt they’ve watched us.”

And after being knocked out at Nationwide Conference North outfit Nuneaton Borough on 5 November last season, the Rams are desperate to reach that stage again.

“We are all desperate to do well this year but it’s a hard tie,” warned Ward.

“We will give it a go. We will be organised and come in for lunch nice and early.

Ward, meanwhile, urges the Southwood faithful to get behind their depleted side.

He added: “They have certainly backed us this far - our crowds are fantastic.

“We haven’t had less than 350 this year. This is the bigger game in a lot of people’s eyes because it’s the FA Cup.”

* If you think you can follow in Roy Essandoh’s footsteps and create another piece of FA Cup folklore, and you haven’t played in the FA Cup this season, please call 07971 563 593.