Corinthian Res 1 Rams Ladies 3

A beautiful sunny day saw the Ladies travel to London to play their last game of the season, which has extended a few weeks longer than expected owing to postponements when opponents have been unable to field a team. The Ladies were looking forward to the game and were confident that the result would be a win for their manager Pete as it was his last game as manager for Ramsgate Ladies. The Ladies were undeterred with only ten starting, due to some of the team moving north and out of Kent last week club, and was not going to let it affect their performance.

The first half started with chances from both teams with our goalkeeper Lisa pulling off a fantastic save sending their shot over the bar. With the formation 3-4-2 due to players missing, the defence was fighting strong to keep the Rams in the game. New players for this season Katie and Jen stayed strong in midfield creating many passes for Peanut to send to Tammy, who did some fantastic runs down the wing. Sadly after 30 minutes, whilst Katie was running with the ball she turned awkwardly on her foot, resulting in her having to leave the pitch for treatment. With the first half nearly up and the Rams down to nine, both teams were searching for a goal. Nic had a great run passing several players only to be beaten by a great save from their goalie. Then in the 40^th minute, Tammy found Megan who slotted it under the ‘keeper to put the Rams in the lead. The Ladies kept strong for the remainder with Katie showing great courage to return back on pitch to battle the last few minutes of the first half. London Corinthians were on the attack to equalise and a strike was made which hit the back of the net only for the defence, linesman and the referee to call as it was offside. Shortly after, with relief the whistle blew for the end of the first half and the Ladies took a well earned rest. With the other side looking angry that they couldn’t break through our ten Ladies, the Rams knew that the defence had to stay strong and another goal would secure the game.

The second half  was under way and the Corinthians made two subs, which made the Rams work even harder with their fresh legs. Tammy had another great run taking it round several players only to put her shot wide. Corinthians then went on the attack and it was the only time that they got through the unmatched defence to put a strike on goal which Lisa just could not get down to quick enough, making it 1-1 around the 60^th minute. With the hot weather and the overstretched defence the Ladies were tiring. Peanut and Jen were working hard to drop back and help the defence, with Peanut sending good balls to Megan, one of them leading to her winning a free kick just on the edge of the 18 yard box. With no hesitation Megan whipped it in the top corner giving the ‘keeper no chance. With the Rams winning 2-1 the Corinthians were sending every ball deep to try and break the defence. Jo made some great clearances only to take a knock and was struggling for the last 20 minutes, but Mel and Emerald kept denying the Corinthians any chance of making it through on goal. Katie was soldiering on only to take another blow resulting to her being winded and having to leave the pitch again for treatment. Another sub for the hosts in the last five minutes put more pressure on the Ladies but Tammy wanted a goal and made another cracking run, taking it past several players to finish by lobbing it over the ‘keeper, making it 3-1 to the Rams before the final whistle went.

It was a great game of dedication and team work from the Ladies with a result to end the season on a high as Ramsgate will finish 3^rd in their league, which is their highest so far. Well done and thank you to Peter Wright for his commitment and progression he has given to the Ladies through his time as manager. Player of the match (voted for by the opponents) was Emerald.