Today’s top of the table clash looked set to be a cracker and it didn’t disappoint. End to end football from the off with both sides giving it their all meant it was an exciting game to watch and one which brought applause from all supporters at the end of the game.
The two teams finished 1st and 2nd last season and following a good run of form this season the pair maintain the same positions going into the match.
Both teams threatened goals from the very start but both goal keepers were strong. Dover’s Denis Mehalla pulled of some fine saves to keep the visitors at bay demonstrating great agility between the sticks. The physical size of the Ramsgate team meant defending corners was a challenge but the Dover players were fantastic at nullifying the threats whilst just about staying within the rules of the game…!
The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Jamie Kennedy found himself in on goal only for the defender to bring him down from behind. A yellow card and penalty was awarded which captain Harry Meleady showed great composure to fire home.
The lead however didn’t last long when 5 minutes later a second penalty was awarded this time to Ramsgate for a similar offence. Ramsgate levelled the scoring again and the game continued in much the same
way. One a piece at half time.
Second half again started frantic. Dover’s coaches decided to alter the formation and push more players forward. It was a risk which paid off with 8 minutes to go when Denis Mehalla’s goal kick went into the path of Ewan Alexander who cut inside field and shot at goal. The Ramsgate keeper saved but the ball fell kindly to the marauding Dover strikers and it was Jamie
Kennedy who pounced onto the rebound and smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Cue the celebrations…
Dover then switched back to a more defensive shape for a nervy finish but thanks to some fantastic defending and goal keeping managed to hold firm to the final whistle.
The game ended 2-1 and Dover extend their lead to 5 points at the top of the table.
A fantastic effort from all the players today. Great determination and a calmness to continue to ‘play’ football even when under pressure. Playing out from the back with some intricate passing to maintain possession was a joy to watch today.
A number of players worthy of man of the match but one player stood out. Nathan Mobio chased every ball today and even when seemingly impossible to reach never gave up. His work rate and tenacity scared the Ramsgate defenders who were literally twice the size of him and his speed of pressing forced a number of errors in the opposition. A role model performance in work rate from the young lad.
Next week we return to the Kent cup against Sevenoaks Town. Another tough fixture but one we cannot wait to play.
Well done today boys.
