A late equaliser cancelled out Joe Taylor’s first half strike as Ramsgate looked to put further pressure on the race for promotion in the Ryman Division One South.

The Rams came into the game in third place in the division, with their opponents just two points ahead. A win would send Ramsgate into second whilst a loss would keep them in third even without other games going their way. Jim and Danny Ward’s side came into the game having won four of their last five, whilst Worthing only recorded one loss in their last nine. The Rams’ side remained unchanged from their last game- a 2-0 win at home against Walton Casuals in midweek but Aaron Quain returned to the bench after a lengthy absence due to an injury.

Despite an entertaining opening few minutes full of counter attacking, fast paced play. The Rebels came close to taking the lead within five minutes but after a free kick was headed towards goal by Gary Elphick, but Luke Girt was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

After a lacklustre period, it was on the 30 minute mark when the breakthrough came for Ramsgate. After Luke Wheatley was only able to direct his header against the post a goal line scramble ensued with Joe Taylor getting the defining touch as the ball finally rolled over the line to give the hosts the lead.

The hosts continued to push forward, and with half time drawing closer they went on to search for a way to double their lead. First a run down the right wing from Kane Rowland ended with a pass across to the opposite side, but after cutting inside onto his right foot, Jake Mackenzie could only curl an effort over the bar.

Minutes before half time Ian Pulman had a chance for score his side’s second, but he found himself on the edge of the area with his back to goal. The best he could do after squirming away from his marker was hit a looped effort wide, meaning Ramsgate went into half time ahead by just one goal.

The hosts’ pressure continued into the second half and it was Joe Taylor who provided their main threat. After cutting inside onto his left foot on the edge of the area after 55 minutes he sliced at the ball as it flew wide. His left foot was Taylor’s weakness moments after when a swift counter attack gave him the opportunity to score his second of the day. Ian Pulman had one all the hard work before squaring the ball across, but his strike partner took too much time in possession, allowing himself to become surrounded.

Worthing soon worked their way back into the game and were causing some serious threats. Lloyd Dawes was creating issues on the left wing, being given time to cut inside gave him numerous opportunities, most of which were blocked before he fired a shot wide towards the near post.

Soon after Ben Pope layed the ball off to Ryan Richardson on the edge of the area, but the attacker could only fire over. The visitors continued to get closer, and this lead to a deflected shot from Will Hendon beating Luke Watkins, only for Jack Paxman to scoop the ball off the line.

With only three minutes of the game remaining, Worthing were finally able to find the equaliser which has eluded them. A flowing attack down the right concluded with a cross which Ramsgate failed to clear, only for the ball to fall to the feet of Dawes, who stroked a delicate curling effort into the top corner, out of the reach of Watkins to level the game and send his side back to West Sussex with a point.

That point means both sides remain in their respective positions, which could be vital at the end of the season. With Folkestone not seeming to slow down home advantage going into the playoffs could be very important. Ramsgate will now prepare for a trip to mid table Hastings Town next weekend.

Ramsgate: Watkins, Mackenzie, Rowland, Kane, Wheatley, Girt, Loynes (J Paxman), Gray, Pulman, Taylor, Treadwell

Subs not used: Quain, Smith, Vinson, Brown

Worthing: Banks, Metcalf (Dawes), Sparks, Axell (Clarke), Elphick, Heath, Hendon, O’ Neill, Pope, Richeford, Waller (Overton)

Subs not used: Quirke, Fagan

Referee: Mr M Goldsmith

Assistants: Mr G Childs and Mr S Marriott

Attendance: 207