Youth Friendlies 18 August

Two midweek friendlies for Ramsgate’s Kent Youth League sides, with the Under 15s beating Margate 3-1 and the Under 18s beating an Ursuline Academy XI side 3-0.

Rams U15s 3 Margate 1 (by Ray Francis)

Ramsgate fielded a much changed squad against Margate to that which won against League Champions Cray Wanderers at the weekend, but it didn’t stop the Rams from opening the scoring early on in this local derby. Kane Rowland capitalised on a misjudged bounce by the Margate ‘keeper to volley home with his weaker foot to put the Rams into the lead. The game settled down with both teams playing good football, and the Rams coming close following some blistering runs down the left wing by Dominic Crawford, always finishing with a quality cross to put the Margate defence under pressure.

The second half started with the Rams strengthening their lead when Alex Papadimos broke through the Margate defence to fire home with pin-point accuracy to make it two for the Rams. The third was soon to follow when Charlie Golesworthy battled well to win the ball and play Mason Webb through, leaving him to slide the ball past the oncoming ‘keeper with pure class. Dan Barrett went on one of his trademark solo runs and unleashed a thunderous shot from twenty five yard, only being denied by a spectacular save by Jack Chambers in the Margate goal. Margate were rewarded for their late pressure in the dying stages when Charlie Golesworthy put into his own net following a Margate corner. The Rams picked up a few injuries throughout the game, Jack Grainger had a very good game at the heart of the midfield, as did Dan Barrett and Ben Davies in defence, but he picked up a knock that will see him miss the Under 15s’ next game, along with Ben Munday and Jarrett Francis who also sustained injuries against Margate.

The Rams travel to Bearsted on Sunday (22nd) for another friendly against what will be strong opposition.

Ursuline XI 0 Rams U18s 3

It was a bare 11 for Ramsgate, against an Ursuline XI that included a number of over 18s, including Dan Langiano who played for Margate’s 1st team last season as well as the Rams’ pre-season friendly at Great Yarmouth. The young Rams ended up as victors – details of goalscorers will be added when known.