Cinque Ports 2
(Parr, Tye)
Ramsgate 5
(Pettit x 2, Durmush, Barrett, Garrett)
Marke Wood, Deal.
Kent Veterans Cup 28/09/24
Despite a no show from the KCFA appointed match official both teams were keen to ensure the game went ahead. Ironically a Ports player serving a suspension was chosen to uphold the laws of the game and took to the field whistle in hand.
Ramsgate started the brighter and with only 3 minutes on the clock Barrett found Pettit in the box and the Ramsgate forward sporting some fancy new boots nodded home 0-1.
A shocked Ports restarted however the Rams won the ball back immediately. Clement was played in behind and forced a corner which he duly took. The delivery was met by Buster Morris with a smart near post flick which found Durmush at the back post to volley home from close range 0-2 with only 5 minutes played.
A tactical change saw Ports drop Gibbens into a 5 man midfield and stem the waves of Ramsgate attacks. This settled Ports and they started to gain a foothold in the game.
This was short lived however as again Barrett found Pettit, the Rams forward put his new boots to use this time turning the defender before delivering a deft chip over the keeper for 0-3.
Ramsgate had chances to put themselves out of sight, a tight offside chalked off a second for Durmush then player manager Jackson missed a chance he really should have scored when Clement squared a cross.
Ports buoyed by the let offs found their way back into the game a through ball and a mix up in the rams defence saw ports have a chance, Ramsgate keeper Pearson forced the striker wide however he kept the ball alive and set the ball back to a teammate who’s shot beat Pearson and despite Rattenbury’s efforts on the line it was 1-3.
Halftime and Ramsgate made the changes. Off came Pettit and Clement and on were Birkett and top scorer Steve Miller. Ramsgate started the second period as they had the first, Barrett was played in behind and made it two goals in two games to add to his two assists on the day 1-4 game over surely?.
It was looking like a long second half for the home side as the rams looked to keep the ball and cruise to the next round. However, Ports didn’t get the message, a couple of changes and some fresh legs saw Ports beat the Rams offside trap a squared ball saw ports pull one back despite the best efforts of Steven’s on the line 2-4.
The wind in the sails of the home side were further strengthened when the stand in man in black (or pink bib to be more accurate) saw an overzealous follow through by Pearson during a clearance catch a Ports attacker and a penalty was given much to the confusion of most on the pitch.
Gibbens arguably Ports best player stepped up from the spot with the chance to bring them within one however Pearson redeemed himself with a smart save down to his left!
A let off for the Rams and the kick up the backside they needed to go and finish the game. Miller was creating down the right hand side delivering crosses into the box however the killer goal came down the left. Alan Garrett picked the ball up on the wing cut inside and curled a neat finish into the top corner for 2-5 with only 15 minutes to go.
Ramsgate managed to see the remaining time out despite a valiant effort from the Ports team to make it into the next round.
A good game of football played by two committed sides and a big thank you goes to the Ports man who stepped in to referee the game.
Man of the Match – Paul Barrett.
