THE AWAY END - Ramsgate

RAMSGATE

Nickname: The Rams
Manager: Ben Smith
Stadium: Southwood Stadium
Capacity: 3,500

Ramsgate arrive at New Lodge this afternoon as one of the league’s great entertainers, with a remarkable 26 goals scored or conceded across their opening five Isthmian Premier League fixtures. Back at Step 3 for the first time since 2008/09, it’s been a lively but mixed start for Ben Smith’s side.

The Rams finally secured promotion last term in emphatic fashion, storming to the Isthmian South East title with 109 points and 127 goals. Leading that charge was our very own Joe Taylor, who scored an astonishing 48 goals in all competitions in 2024/25.

This season, much of the attacking burden has fallen to Alfie Paxman, who has already struck four times, while former Sittingbourne forward Mitchell May has chipped in with two goals.

Smith’s men began the campaign with a dramatic opening-day win over Whitehawk, sealed by Paxman’s 95th-minute penalty. Since then, however, they have endured a tougher run, suffering defeats to Chatham Town, Dulwich Hamlet, and Cray Valley PM before sharing the spoils in a breathless 4–4 draw with Dartford, a contest that saw three red cards. Their FA Cup hopes also ended last weekend, with a 2–1 home loss to Cray Valley PM.

The Blues last faced Ramsgate back in the 2008/09 Ryman Premier season. We went down 1–0 on the Kent coast in February 2009, while the reverse fixture at New Lodge earlier in the campaign ended 2–2, with Billy Bricknell and Joe Flack on the scoresheet for the Blues. We would go on to finish mid-table in 11th, while Ramsgate finished bottom and were relegated.

Recent seasons have shown how sides promoted from the Isthmian South East can thrive at Step 3, with the likes of Chatham Town, Cray Valley PM, and Chichester City all having impressive campaigns in the last two years.

Despite a rocky start, Ramsgate will be aiming to follow that trend. With 10 goals scored already they boast the league’s third-best attack, but having conceded 16, they also hold the leakiest defence. One thing seems certain – goals are likely at New Lodge this afternoon!

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