Report: Eastbourne Town 1-2 Ramsgate

We welcomed title contenders and undefeated Ramsgate to The Saffrons on an overcast Saturday afternoon at The Saffrons. The visitors were looking to continue their outstanding early season form whilst Town were looking to bounce back from a run of defeats.

Despite the poler opposite run of form between the two sides, it was Eastbourne Town who started on the front foot. Some excellent interplay between James Stone, James Hull anhd Anesu Sisimayi would create the first opportunity. Hull with a one-two with Sisimayi gave the forward his first chance of the game but Tom Hadler saved Hull’s half-volley attempt well.

The visitors were woken up by the early pace. From a corner, Josh Ajayi would eventually get the ball to his feet, the winger shifted the ball well whilst up against an army of Town defenders looking to block his shot but his strike made it through, however Winterton’s feet kept out the low driven strike.

Despite Town’s positive start and chance creation, the visitors class would shine through first with The Rams taking the lead in the 26th minute. Tijan Adama and Joe Taylor with quick feet and back on the right side of Town penalty area, Taylor shows his strength to hold off Nathan Hover and the former Lewes striker slots home into the far right corner of the net.

Despite going a goal down, Town continued to play positive football against top-quality opposition right up until the half-time whistle.

It was a more balanced start to the second-half but the visitors were starting to look more potent in the final third and winning more free-kicks in dangerous areas. One of those would lead to the second goal. A quick free-kick would find Ajayi whose shot is blocked, the ball pinballs around and JJ Walker attempt to block a strike from Joe Elull but the referee deems his block a late challenge and awards a penalty. Utter disbelief by everyone in yellow and blue after an extremely questionable decision by the referee. Nothing questionable about the resulting penalty, Joe Taylor slotting home his 20th goal of the season and we’re only in November.

Town were playing well but the clinical Taylor had given The Rams breathing room with 25 minutes to go. However, Town were not lying down. Hull, who was looking lovely all game would be the man to pull one back in the 68th minute. Substitute Leon Greig dug out a cross deep down the right flank, Hadler gets a hand to it but Hull is there at the back post to head home! One back with 20 minutes to play.

The rest of the second half would see the game wide open with chances for both sides. Ramsgate wanted to finish the tie off for good and they nearly did after striking the post via an Ajayi strike. Town would also threaten but it wasn’t enough.

The Rams extended their unbeaten run to eleven games and Town still fighting for points since Hythe Town away. Despite the defeat, it was an excellent performance against one of, if not, the leading title contenders.