It was an all Bostik League South Division Kent Senior Cup game between Ramsgate and Greenwich Borough on Tuesday evening at Southwood Stadium. The Rams had lost at home to Phoenix Sports on the opening day of the season but followed that up with an away league win at Faversham Town and then Hanworth Villa in the FA Cup.
Greenwich Borough are one of the favourites for the South Division title having lost out in the play-off semi-final last year - they had drawn 1-1 at home to Whyteleafe before losing at Corinthian Casuals (who beat them in the play-offs a few months ago) but followed this up with a decent 4-1 victory against Three Bridges in the FA Cup.
The home side started off the better side with Alfie Paxman getting in well on the left hand side only to be denied twice by Borough keeper Ben Bridle-Card and they deserved to go 1-0 up when Rory Smith tapped home from close range. Paxman continued to play well and put in Jake McKenzie but Bridle-Card saved well again.
Gradually Greenwich Borough grew into the game and played some good football - Ex Millwall player Peter Sweeney's looping shot from outside of the box hit the outside of the post. Borough's Connor Hunte was the stand out player - He looks to have a mark of real quality and there was no surprise to read he came through the ranks at Chelsea Academy and was at Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers last season. I would say he could easily play higher up the pyramid in the next few seasons if not sooner?
Greenwich made it 1-1 at the beginning of the second half with Jesse Darko having good chances. It was Hunte who made it 1-2 with some fantastic foot work and skill inside the box which took Ram's defender George Crimmen out of the game - Goalkeeper Watkins got his hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out of the net.
It was 1-3 a few minutes later when Hunte was fouled by Crimmen but in an excellent piece of refereeing where play was waved on he played Jack Samoutis in who was able to finish easily. The loyal Greenwich Borough drummer made some noise at this point which was great to see.
Travis Gregory then came off the bench for Greenwich and he looked really lively and full of pace up front. He had some good chances to score and got his goal right at the end when he turned 5 and confidently finished into the bottom corner to make the final score 1-4 which was a little harsh on the home side who had played well in the first half who had 17 year old central defender Jacob Mensah and 18 year old midfielder TJ Jadama in their line-up. Paxman who I thought was their best player is only 19 years old - he has played for Premier Division Leatherhead as well as Vanarama National side Dover Athletic last season. I would say the future looks bright for The Rams.
I would say Greenwich will go close to topping the table this season with the quality of their squad and Connor Hunte will be one of the players of the South Division.
Regular readers of The Cold End will know I am a big supporter of The Great British Seaside - Ramsgate is another town I recommend a visit to. The harbour area is lovely and there are lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants well worth a visit. A new 'super Weatherspoons' is about to open right by the harbour - "The Royal Victoria Pavillion' is housed in the former sea-front casino and dance-hall. Ramsgate FC's Southwood Stadium is well worth a visit to.
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