Ladies 3 London Corinthian Res 3

Ramsgate Ladies second draw of the season meant two consecutive 3-3 scorelines and an opportunity to climb above today’s opposition London Corinthian Reserves was sadly missed. Although the match was delayed due to the late arrival of the referee both teams were fresh from the off and a fairly even end-to-end start to the match ensued. Corinthians proved both on paper and on the pitch to be strong opposition but it was the home side who took the early advantage. After Tiffany Routledge hit her shot straight at the ‘keeper the ball was cleared directly to the Ramsgate goal but returned, this time with Tammy Pile-Gray taking no prisoners and blasting in the opening goal of the match. The first period continued to be a fairly even affair with both teams claiming plenty of possession but not an awful lot of clear goalscoring opportunities. It took a long shot from over 30 yards to equalise as Megan Cavell, again deputising in goal, failed to get across her line quick enough to prevent the incoming ball entering the net. Ramsgate did start to take more possession as the half continued but failed to create the clear cut chances this deserved. A rare opening was created with some superb teamwork and a move involving slick passing (and a step-over or two) from Jessica Smith, Kara Richardson, Tammy Pile-Gray and Tiffany Routledge, but even this wasn’t enough to again break down the visiting defence who played strongly and pushed up the pitch throughout the afternoon. Before half time manager Ricky Ling made two changes with Jo Cox and Lesedi Vine, who capped an impressive performance on the right wing by later taking over between the sticks, but unfortunately it was Corinthians who took a 2-1 lead when another long shot could only be parried into the goal by Megan. This didn’t deter the reds and although it seemed the visitors may start to dominate proceedings they equalised within a few minutes when Tiff collected the ball outside the box and strongly held off two defenders before firing past the goalkeeper. In fact Ramsgate may have taken a half-time lead had the upright not prevented Tiff’s last ditch shot before Tammy’s follow up flew over the crossbar.

It looked like Corinthians were going to come out the stronger side in the second half and only a well-timed interception from Emerald Scannell prevented them from again taking the lead. However, after taking a few minutes to settle in the second half Ramsgate started to really dominate proceedings, and tellingly, start to produce the goalscoring opportunities they are more accustomed to. Efforts from Kara, Tiff and Tammy in turn were just wide of the target or foiled by the increasingly impressive visiting ‘keeper. Although Ramsgate continued to create more chances an excellent passing move down the left wing was completed when Jennifer Carracio’s attempted clearance unfortunately beat her own ‘keeper. Shortly afterwards it was the home side’s turn to show a bit of magic and a sublime through ball from Jess sent Tammy past the defence to calmly slot the equaliser under the oncoming goalkeeper. With Ramsgate continuing to dominate the half it was a deserved equaliser, which could have been added to on a number of occasions as Ramsgate flooded forward with wave after wave of attack – only to be continually denied, right into the last minute when Tammy was thwarted whilst one-on-one with the opposition ‘keeper and a deserved victory passed by.

Still with a game in hand on the top two teams in the league, Ramsgate visit current leaders Long Lane Reserves next Sunday with another chance to move up from third place. Having beaten their upcoming hosts earlier in the season at Southwood and with today’s player of the match (chosen by the opposition) Tiff chasing her 30^th goal of the season there should be confidence enough to take with them to South East London.

Team : Megan Cavell, Janine Judd (Lesedi Vine 38), Jennifer Carracio, Melanie Tsangarides, Emerald Scannell, Kara Richardson, Amy Robinson (C), Tammy Pile-Gray, Tiffany Routledge, Rachel Coll (Jo Cox 36), Jessica Smith. Unused Substitutes : Sophie Turner, Ashley Bantges

Goals : Tammy Pile-Gray 7, 75, Tiffany Routledge 40 (Corinthians 16, 36, 68)