19 Sept Youth Round-Up

Four wins out of four games today for the Kent Youth League teams, while in the East Kent Youth League there were 5 wins and 2 defeats, one of which resulted from the Under 12 teams playing each other.

Kent Youth League

The Under 18s were without a fixture today, so had some more time to prepare for their FA Youth Cup on Thursday night when they welcome Colliers Wood United to Southwood (745pm kickoff).

The Under 16s started their League cup campaign today with a scintillating 8-2 win over Cray Wanderers at Southwood. Having lost 3-2 to Cray about 5 weeks ago in a pre-season friendly at their place the Rams knew they had a tough game on today in the first round of the cup. This looked even more so when, after having the better of the opening exchanges; Ramsgate conceded a goal after 15 minutes. What followed was an almost continuous barrage of the Cray defence – 4 clear cut chances were carved out and missed before George Stannard cut in from the right, beat 2 players and calmly stroked the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1. The passing and movement of the side was already looking good but then seemed to go onto yet another level, every attack and every pass seemed crisp and accurate, the relatively newly formed squad looked as though they had been together for years, and Stannard and Shane Mitchell then struck goals full of great teamwork to send Ramsgate in 3-1 up at halftime. The second half plan for the Rams was all about maintaining their momentum and quality of interplay and not letting Cray back into the game. This was achieved and within 15 seconds of the restart, with 4 slick passes back to front, completed by Mitchell lobbing the ‘keeper from 18 yards out. Confidence now sky high and a 4^th, 5^th and 6^th were soon added and what looked a competitive cup tie was all but won. Cray were struggling to cope with the Rams pace, power and above all accuracy of passing and, whilst they got another consolation goal at 7-1, Stannard again netted to make the final score 8-2. Obviously the high profile credits go to Mitchell and Stannard with 4 goals each, but the whole squad were absolutely outstanding, and if the two strikers get this service all year it could be quite an exciting season. To be fair to Cray they were very complimentary of the Rams in defeat and very sporting throughout - the fact that their debrief on the pitch took over 30 minutes shows the Rams gave them quite a lot to think about. The Ramsgate squad was Josh Mattless, Glen Scott, Joe Thomas, Henry Piper, Connor Barham, Nick Symaka, Ryan Freedman, Alex Miles, Nick Dolan, Dan Todd, Shane Mitchell, George Stannard, Connor Armstrong  and Ollie Sharpe.

The Under 15s had a point to prove in this fiercely fought cup tie following their exit from the cup at the hands of Sevenoaks last season, and they took the game to the visitors from the start. Ramsgate showed desire and spirit with some lengthy spells of possession but were unable to capitalise following some precision passing from Jack Grainger and Jarrett Francis in the centre of midfield. The Rams finally opened the scoring on 30 minutes when a long clearance from the defence found Mason Webb free to coolly slot the ball past the approaching Sevenoaks ‘keeper. Ramsgate continued to keep possession in the second half as Kane Rowland and Dominic Crawford tormented the Sevenoaks defence following some great link up play with Josh McAteer but failed to finish off the visitors. The Rams were little bothered by the visitors’ attack but when the defence of Niall Turner, Sid Twelftree, Ben Davies and Man of the Match Dan Barrett was called upon, their calmness and organisation gave them and ‘keeper Harry Brooks a justly deserved second clean sheet in as many weeks. The Rams made changes in the 2^nd half with Tom Pither and Alex Papadimos both making valuable contributions in this Cup tie win.

The Under 14s were away to Ashford Town and won 2-1. Although the home side were 1-0 up at half-time the young Rams fought back and with goals from Ryan Coleman and Adam Turton pulled off a well-deserved victory.

The Under 13s hosted a strong Hollands and Blair side in their South Division match at Pfizers. It was the home side that opened the stronger and chances went begging before a penalty award saw Jacob Price open the scoring with a superb spot kick for Ramsgate. Hollands upped the tempo and fought back strongly coming close with a well taken shot from distance. The young Rams weathered the storm before Mitch Laing blasted home a second to ease the pressure. Hollands would not lay down and continued to fight for every ball and were rewarded with penalty of their own. At 2-1 the game was open with chances at both ends. For he Rams Dan Vinson had a shot cleared off the line and James Mileham also came close, with Ramsgate holding firm to take the victory and top the table.
 

East Kent Youth League

The Under 18s visited Walmer Rangers, with Lewis Haine, Bradley Schulz and Dan Tucker all scoring in their 3-1 win and Rams’ goalkeeper Jordan Peace being awarded Man of the Match.

The Under 16s were away to Faversham Strike Force, last year’s Division 1 champions and, unfortunately, were beaten 3-2, with Faversham scoring with almost the last kick of the game. After a poor 1^st half display, and conceding a girl on 21 minutes, a change in formation saw a much better performance in the 2^nd half. Mitchell Knight scored from 25 yds just after the break to take the Rams level, and though they were playing the better football now they conceded a second goal on 62 minutes, against the run of play. Mitchell Knight scored his second of the game, when again he scored a superb goal from distance to level the scores again. With the Rams pushing for a late winner they got caught on the break, and Faversham scored in the last minute of the game to take all three points.

The Under 15s welcomed Trinity to St Luke’s and ran out 1-0 winners after a fiercely competitive match. The Rams were 1-0 up by the interval, following a 20 yd volley from Connor Buddle, and went on to frustrate their visitors until the final whistle. Trinity continued to battle but were unable to find the back of the net. Rams’ Manager Bill Kirkby congratulated his entire side and could not single ou individual players for praise, after a truly superb team effort all round.

The Under 13s played Monkton Youth at Clarendon Sports Fields and won 2-1. The young Rams goals came from Harry Belsey and Ross Griffin, with Kane Webb winning Man of the Match.

The Under 12s’ faced the Under 12 A side in the first all-Ramsgate duel of the season, and it was the ‘A’ team that kicked off their season with a 2-1 victory. The first goal for the ‘A’s came when a cross by Jack Field found the head of Ollie Harris, with Ryan Lewis doubling their lead just before the half time whistle. The 2nd half saw the Under 12s pull back a goal in this club derby through Charlie Wood, with a fine performance by both teams.

The Under 11s were away to Thanet Colts and won 4-2, thanks to two goals from Billy Walker and singles from Declan Walker and Finlay McConnell.