Reserves 4 Holmesdale 2

League leaders Holmesdale were the Reserves’ visitors this week, coming to Southwood off four straight victories. However, after a mixed start to the season, with some good but inconsistent performances. Ramsgate Manager Phil Fennell decided to attack the league leaders from the kickoff by playing three forwards with 1st teamer Warren Schulz just behind.

From the start the system suited the Rams and they bombarded the Holmesdale goal with crosses and chances, but unfortunately none could be converted. With right forward Dan Hughes running the Holmesdale left back ragged it seemed only a matter of time before a Ramsgate goal would come, but totally against play the visitors went up the other end and stole a goal. This seemed to spur the home side on and it wasn’t long before a Hughes cross was headed in by Warren Schulz. The first half continued with some good play from the Rams but they were dealt a blow in the 40th minute when influential winger Hughes twisted his ankle and had to leave the field, to be replaced by striker Dan Gonzalles-Bello (a subsequent visit to the hospital confirmed Hughes will now be out for 6 weeks).

The second half continued much as the first did with the Rams controlling the play with some neat football and in the 64th minute, after a good run from Gonzalles Bello, a penalty was awarded that Schulz dispatched into the bottom right corner. Again, just as in the first half, a lapse in the Rams’ concentration gave Holmesdale a half chance which their lively striker took. With 20 minutes to go it was Marcus Potter and attacking midfielder Neil Hoggart who were thrown into the game to add more pace to the tiring Rams side. Almost instantly Hoggart found Gonzalles-Bello who, one on one with the ‘keeper, dispatched the chance calmly. In the last few moments, with Holmesdale trying to find a goal, the Rams broke and with some good sharp passing Chris Lewis stabbed the ball home.

Manager Phil Fennell said “It was a great performance today with some outstanding displays from Hughes, Robinson and again centre back Johnson but special mention must go to Warren Schulz, who came down to the Reserves and, like a 1st team player should, helped, guided and motivated the younger players. This is what the young players need, to be exposed to senior football and have role models to play alongside and learn from.”

Rams Reserves: Parker, Furness, Johnson, Robinson, Winchcombe, Hickman, Keci, Schulz, Hughes, Cole, Lewis. Subs (all used): Potter, Hoggart, Gonzalles-Bello.