Rams Coast To Derby Win - Whitstable Town vs. Ramsgate

The Belmont

My first choice this week was another Sussex Division One game between form sides East Grinstead Town and Peacehaven and Telescombe but an over night down pour ended that idea. My second choices were Folkstone and Whitstable and after a work mate spoke about how pleasant Whitstable was I opted for the later. This proved to be a good choice as Whitstable were playing local rivals Ramsgate. Whitstable were in need of points to pull away from the relegation zone while Ramsgate needed the points for a possible push for the play offs. This was a rarity for me as I'd never seen either side play before.

The players prepare for kick off

Ramsgate have the very first chance of the game when the attacker is played through but the ball gets stuck in the heavy pitch and the keeper is able to save. Whitstable then get clean through themselves but again the keeper is able to save. The opening half hour is quite tense but Ramsgate have another chance when the winger rides a couple of challenges but his effort is deflected wide. Ramsgate begin to dominate but their keeper has to be on his toes to tip a header over from a corner. Ramsgate then hit the bar following a close range effort from a ball out wide. They finally take the lead just before half time as the striker slots the ball home from just out side the area.

The Ramsgate keeper tips this effort over the bar.

Unfortunately my pen runs out at the start of the second half and so I don't have as much to write about the second half as the first. Whitstable dominate at the start of the half but they fail to really work the keeper. As the rain begins to fall, the game begins to open up. Whitstable almost find the equaliser but the Ramsgate player makes a great goal saving tackle inside the six yard box. The visitors have a strong shout for a penalty late on but the referee is unimpressed. Despite a late flurry of  balls in to the box Ramsgate hold on to gain revenge for their defeat at the Southwood Stadium in October.

Stand behind one of the goals.

Whitstable is an hour and half train journey from Victoria but the town is worth the journey. The High Street is not dominated by chains and there are two independent record stores. There are also a lot of pubs. Before the game I went to The Old Neptune which is right on the seafront and The Coach And Horses and I recommend both! The Belmont is about a ten minute brisk walk from Whitstable Station. The clubhouse has a good atmosphere and offers a view of the pitch if you don't like the cold! The main stand is also a great feature of the ground.

The Belmont Review is one of the best programmes so far this season. There are a couple of detailed match reports and a few articles about Kent Football in general. There's also a good 'on this day in history' section which includes a scan of an old newspaper cut out. One good feature that is missing from many programs is a quiz which is always good for the journey home! A fantastic effort.

View of the clubhouse and dugouts from the stand