by Roger Bennett
With manager John Goodwin able to field a stronger squad, the Reserves were able to turn the tables over the Thanet side that comprehensively beat them a fortnight ago. The visitors started by far the brighter as the Ramsgate defence struggled to clear their lines. But on 30 minutes, home defender Jimmy Booth crashed a powerful shot goal wards, and it took a fine reflex save by Carl Hodgson to maintain the clean sheet.
At the other end, Craig Preston was causing problems, but shot straight at keeper Damien Rowland when he should really have scored. The breach was finally made on 35 minutes when Ramsgate yet again failed to clear, and James Simmons was on hand to slot the ball home from close range.
Almost immediately, Ramsgate nearly drew level when striker Connor Mackins neatly drew Hodgson off his line and rounded him. Only some quick thinking by David Miles with a goal line clearance kept the lead intact. The Lilywhites then responded, and forced a double save out of Rowland with shots from Preston and Dan Ellet.
After half time, the Thanet fog drifted in off the channel and descended on the almost empty Southwood stadium. Both defences dug in, and with the temperature dropping it seemed a relief to almost all concerned to hear the referee's final whistle. Manager John Goodwin considered it a good all round team performance in a game that 'we should have scored more.' He singled out Preston as 'outstanding.'
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