Despite some excellent goal-keeping by Adam Highstead and numerous goal-line clearances by Luke Wheatley and Danny Lawrence, The Rams’ luck ran out as they lost 2-1 at league leaders Burgess Hill Town – The fourth away game in succession The Rams contrived to lose by that margin.

However despite the losing margin being a mere one goal it did not reflect upon the dominance the hosts had throughout.

Going into the game The Rams had a mountain to climb at The Hillians as it was battle for points for very different reasons – The home side looking to take a firm step into the Ryman Premier whilst Ramsgate looking for invaluable points to stave off their relegation fears.

The Rams started positively in an open contest, closing down their opponents well giving them little time on the ball however it was the hosts who created goal-scoring opportunities as Callum Saunders and Lee Harding both squandered an early chance failing to get a touch in front of goal from a good left wing cross by Rob O’Toole.

O’Toole soon took his turn to squander chances as he firstly headed straight at Highstead from close range and saw a shot deflected over the bar as Ramsgate failed to deal with a long thrown into the penalty area by Sam Fisk.

Danny Lawrence was soon called into action saving his side as a goal-bound effort was headed clear from under his own crossbar.

The returning Joe Taylor showed positive signs and glimpses of the qualities he can bring to The Rams, holding up the ball, showing composure and linking up well with the likes of Charlie Smith. Having only recently returned to the club the understanding between him and his teammates can only develop and improve.

The front three of The Hillians were proving tough for The Rams to handle as O’Toole and Saunders linked up well only for Saunders to see his half volley saved well by Highstead.

Highstead was soon called into action once again, coming off his line bravely with Lee Harding bearing down on him but the striker squeezed his shot past the ‘keepers dive only to see Wheatley come to The Rams rescue and hook the goal-bound effort clear from danger.

Lawrence once again came to the rescue when Will Miles’ free header beat the dive of Highstead but not Lawrence, well placed on the near post, heading clear of goal.

In a rare foray into the Burgess Hill penalty area Tom Chapman found an opening present itself but his shot from range was easily taken by host ‘keeper Josh James.

The second half kicked off as the weather took a turn for the worse with first sleet then wind and rain.

The change in weather didn’t herald a change in the shape of the game though as The Hillian’s continued to dominate proceedings and soon into the half O’Toole missed a glorious opportunity to give his side the lead but he directed his free header from a Saunders free kick wide of the far post.

Aaron Quain then, out of the blue, found himself bearing in on goal from a defence-splitting pass by Chapman but showing a lack of composure he was unfortunately unable to get the ball under control and the chance was lost.

Burgess Hill responded and broke the deadlock – and The Rams resilience – just before the hour mark. Substitute Dan Perry almost repeated the feat of Spurs and England’s Harry Kane but his shot with his first touch was well saved by Highstead but the goal could not be protected much longer as from the resultant corner kick Lee Harding steered the ball home from close range past the despairing dive of Highstead.

The Rams were then breached again soon after and it was that man Harding again meeting an inviting ball in from the right hand side by Saunders low into Highstead’s left hand corner.

With Ramsgate’s defences breached it was backs to the wall as The Hillian’s looked to extend their lead – Highstead made a finger-tip save from a succession of corners and Perry somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar from close range but credit must be given to the defence putting pressure on the substitute – Perry then turned provider as Saunders blazed over from close range.

The Rams rallied as the game looked to have gotten away from them. Substitute Matt Adams saw his shot from the edge of the box go well over and as the game entered the dying embers of injury time Chapman saw his low shot on the right side of the penalty area deflected wide and from the resulting corner Wheatley rose highest in front of goal heading home to reduce the deficit.

Unfortunately for the visitors there was no time left to press for an unexpected equaliser as the referee ended proceedings.

The Rams remain in the relegation zone although they are certainly in touch with those ahead of them to battle their way out of the drop-zone whilst The Hillians are now fifteen points clear of nearest rivals Faversham Town with fifteen points to play for and a superior goal difference meaning the title and promotion can be secured this weekend at Carshalton.

 

Burgess Hill Town: James, Pointing, Fisk, Pearse, Pearson, Pearson, Miles, Kirkwood © (P. Harding, 82), Keehan, Saunders (Slaughter, 87), L. Harding, O’Toole (Perry, 57)

Subs not used: Martin, Budd

Goals: L. Harding (59. 65)

 

Ramsgate: Highstead, Butcher, Regan (Adams, 74), Hickman ©, Rogers, Wheatley, Chapman, Lawrence, Ch. Smith, Taylor, Quain

Subs not used: Pettit, Maguire, Punton, Shaw

Goals: Wheatley (90+2)

 

Referee: D Spain

Asst Referees: A Goodwin & C Smith

Att; 414