AFC Totton
Save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance.
THE STAGS HAVE YET ANOTHER home cup tie this weekend, as Ramsgate FC visit the Snows Stadium in an all-important Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie, with both teams hoping to put themselves in the hat for the First Round Proper, and a potential draw against a Football League club.
Let's find out about The Rams...
THE BASICS
Ramsgate Football Club is a football team based in Ramsgate, Kent. They are currently members of the Isthmian League South East Division and play their home games at the 2,500-capacity Southwood Stadium, which has recently been resurfaced with a 3G pitch. The main local rivals of the club are Margate, who are situated just four miles away. When the two teams meet, it is known as The Thanet Derby.
HAVE THEY GENERALLY BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE LEAGUE?
For nearly 30 years, the club performed well without seriously challenging for promotion. But their fortunes changed in 2004 with the return of former manager Jim Ward. He led the club to two consecutive championship titles - the Kent League Premier Division and then the Isthmian League First Division - taking the club into the Isthmian League Premier Division in time for the 2006/07 season, bringing about the first derby matches for many years against Isle of Thanet rivals, Margate.
In Ramsgate's first season in the Premier Division they finished in 9th place, and The Rams followed this with an even better season in 2007/08, finishing 5th to qualify for the Promotion Play-Offs, although they were beaten 1–2 in the Semi-Finals by Staines Town. In the same year, The Rams won the Isthmian League Cup, beating AFC Sudbury on penalties at Dartford’s Princes Park ground. The following season, however, Ramsgate finished bottom of the table and were relegated.
HOW DID THEY GET ON LAST SEASON?
Ramsgate were Runners-Up in the Isthmian League South East Division last season. However, they missed out on promotion due to a penalty shoot-out defeat at home to Hythe Town in the Play-Off Semi-Finals. Whitehawk beat Hythe Town in the Final to claim the second promotion spot.
HAVE AFC TOTTON PLAYED THEM RECENTLY?
No, as far as we know, this is the first-ever meeting between AFC Totton and Ramsgate.
DO WE HAVE CURRENT OR FORMER PLAYERS IN COMMON?
None we’re aware of - but if you know of anyone, get in touch!
WHO IS THEIR MANAGER NOW?
Ben Smith became the club’s first-ever contracted boss after signing a two-year deal at Southwood. He succeeded Jamie Coyle, before leading Herne Bay to promotion via the Isthmian South East Play-Offs a year ago.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE GAME?
The match will take place on Saturday 14 October at Snows Stadium, Salisbury Road, Totton SO40 2RW. Kick-off will be at 3:00pm.
CAN I BUY TICKETS?
Tickets will be available at the turnstile on the day - but you can save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance.
by Adi Rose
