Ramadan Ready For Trophy Tie

It was a long-awaited return to Hartsdown Park on Tuesday evening and a very enjoyable one. Especially for Margate winger Adem Ramadan whose brace sealed a 2-1 victory against Merstham FC in the BetVictor Isthmian League.

Speaking after the win, Ramadan admitted it was good to get back to winning ways straight away, after Saturday’s reverse result at Oxford City.

“It was a long wait for a home game. We had some fun on the road in the FA Cup but there is nothing like getting back to your home ground with the supporters behind you.”

“It was nice to be back at Hartsdown Park and to top it off with a win. It was a great evening all round for the team to get the three points and for me personally to get two goals.”

Talking through his brace, Ramadan said;

“The first one came from a cross to the back stick from Oshane. The Gaffer and Mike have been on at me about making the back stick and it paid off, as I got there between the centre back and right back and managed to volley it on target.”

“As for the second one, it all happened very quickly from the corner. Kads boxed it, George managed to flick it on, and it came at me and I stuck my head on it and hoped for it to go in.”

“As it did, I was so over the moon mainly because it got us three points. It wasn’t the prettiest of matches on the eye. But we came away with the win which is what matters.”

Ramadan confessed the three points felt sweeter following The Gate’s recent cup exit.

“It was a great feeling to get the win especially coming off a back of a loss against Oxford City in the Cup which I felt - with our second half performance - we deserved at least a replay out of.”

Manager Jay Saunders has rotated his squad, managing injuries but also increasing competition for places in the Margate starting eleven. It is competition Ramadan believes is healthy as The Gate look to strengthen each game.

“The competition is very good, as you have to constantly fight for your place. The injuries haven’t helped but players are coming back now and that will keep the competitive edge even more.”

Ramadan and his team-mates return to their travels with Saturday’s trip to Barking FC. It’s another away day for players and supporters and Ramadan praised Margate's travelling contingent.

“It’s been tough on the road but the fans have been second to none travelling all the way to Salisbury, then to Oxford City with Haringey over in North London. It’s a shame some of the results didn’t go our way and for the fans but we can’t thank them enough for their support. Hopefully we can start repaying them with the wins and climb up the table.”

Attention is firmly set on Saturday’s FA Trophy tie and Ramadan anticipates a tricky afternoon.

“Even though we are disappointed about the FA Cup exit, we now turn to this Saturday. Barking have been doing well in their league, so they won’t be push overs but I’m sure all the boys will be up for it. We are training Thursday and the Gaffer will get us in with Mike and we’ll prepare properly and get ready for the battle.”

More news