After much antagonising as to whether to make the journey as the rain continued to fall, even after the pitch inspection at 10.30 am had judged it fit to go ahead, I decided to be bold and drove down to Horsham to see this Isthmian League South East fixture between Broadbridge Heath and Ramsgate.

The table at kick off, showed that both sides were sitting at a comfortable mid-table position, with just one place and a goal difference of seven, separating the teams. Broadbridge Heath’s ground, formerly known the Highwood Hill Sports Ground is a modern stadium, built in 2019 and comprises a modern clubhouse and changing facilities, as well as a covered grandstand and covered terracing behind the goal.

Ramsgate’s cup exploits have meant they have only played four games this season in the league, winning three of them, so they will like last season, be looking to push for promotion up to the Isthmian Premier Division. Goals in the league and cup have come easily to the Rams, with Joe Taylor already notching up 15 goals, supported by Medy Elito (4 goals) and Tijan Jadama (4 goals). With a talented manager, with the calibre of Ben Smith, at the helm, the Rams would have come into today’s fixture with high hopes.

Broadbridge Heath, having only secured promotion last season, will be pleased to be secure in the mid table slot, but a win away at Erith & Belvedere in their last match, would have left manager, Chris Simmons, thinking they might be able to make a push for a play off spot this season.

Goals haven’t flowed easily thus far, with Sam Lemon top scoring with 3 goals. However hopes were high at kick off with a wet pitch today levelling the playing field somewhat and there was belief in the home fans that the home side could secure a big scalp today.

With just nine minutes on the clock Ramsgate had a penalty when Broadbridge Heath’s keeper, Roshan Greensall, brought down a player in the box, for which he received a red card. Joe Taylor stepped up to put the penalty away and send the away side into the lead.

The remainder of the half saw some real fight from the ten men of Broadbridge Heath FC. They had a good chance go narrowly over when Mario Quissaca tried to lob Tom Hadler in the Ramsgate goal. Ramsgate struggled to create chances in the final third.

With 40 minutes on the clock it was however, the away team who scored next, when Medy Elito was brought down in the box to give Ramsgate their second penalty of the match. Joe Taylor finished the spot kick confidently, to make it 0-2, which remained the score as the referee blew for half-time.

The second half saw both sides attacking with purpose, until a lengthy delay in the 55th minute when Tijan Adjama received a facial injury after a clash with the keeper.

The last 30 minutes saw Ramsgate control the game without finding a way to put the result out of reach of the opposition. Broadbridge Heath looked dangerous on the break, with Sam Lemon and Mario Quissacca both posing a constant threat.

However as the full time whistle blew it was the Rams who walked away with three points, with the Bears being left to regret two very rash challenges.