The division’s top goalscorers came head to head in this much anticipated encounter at the WW Martin Community Stadium, but it was an uninvited guest that stole the show.

As the combatants took to the field for the pre-match warm up, Storm Arwen rolled into town, bringing with it high winds, driving rain, and freezing temperatures.

It was therefore much to the credit of both sides that what ensued was an entertaining game of football, played largely on the 3g surface, with no little skill.

Valley made one change from last Saturday’s drawn encounter with Haywards Heath Town – Ade Adeyemo stepping in for Denzel Gayle -, while the hosts were unchanged.

After a lively opening to the game, Valley were awarded a free kick ten yards from goal when Rams keeper Jacob Russell inadvertently picked up a back pass.

Matt Warren’s soft effort was blocked before being cleared.

Millers leading scorer Marcel Barrington had a couple of efforts narrowly off target before Rams hot shot Josh Ajayi dragged his shot narrowly wide after excellent approach play by Tijan Jadama on the left,

With the wind making aerial play a bit of a mockery, Ramsgate took the lead in bizarre fashion shortly after half an hour. Ashley Miller used his upper body strength to withhold the challenge of Cem Tumkaya and Rory Hill before delivering a cross into the Millers area. With no attacker in sight, Nat Blanks inadvertently planted a header beyond the despairing Chris Lewington.

The lively Ajayi was proving to be a constant threat to the visitors – one move down left ending with his teasing cross narrowly evading the arriving Nico Cotton at the far post. 

Shortly before the hour however, the scores were levelled. Gavin Tomlin – on as a half time replacement for Adeyemo – won possession in centre field before planting a sublime pass at the feet of Barrington. The Millers striker showed good strength to hold the ball up before passing toWarren who slid home the equaliser.

Ramsgate then exerted a period of sustained pressure on the Millers goal – forcing a series of corners at one point – but Lewington was relatively untroubled as the visitor’s defence held firm.

Youngster Harry Day came on for his league debut for Valley as the rigors of the last few weeks began to catch up on those carrying knocks, but a valuable point was secured with Arwen the eventual winner.

MILLERS’ STAR MAN: – ALEX BREFO – Stood firm amidst a barrage from the league’s joint top scorers in horrific conditions 

MATCH RATING: – ***

RAMS : Russell, Aboagye, Emptage, Olapade, Peck (Cotton 46),Prescott, Miller, Ajayi, Coyle, McInytyre ©, Jadama

Not Used : Maher, Williams, Medhurst, Baker-Moran

Caution : Coyle

MILLERS : Lewington, Dymond, Blanks ©, Tumkaya, Barrington, Adeyemo (Tomlin 46, Gayle 68), Brefo, Warren, Ompreon, Hill (Day 79), Ibrahiym

Not Used : Hopper, Salmon

Cautions : Tumkaya, Dymond

Referee     :  Harry Phillips

Assistants :  Ryan Smith and Jack Ridge

Pic – Millers’ goalscorer Matt Warren takes possession

Photo by Michael Brown – @BSportsphotos

Attendance: 703