Tonbridge 2 Ramsgate 2

Match 36/08/720 - Saturday, 3rd January 2009 - Ryman Premier

Tonbridge (1) 2 Legge 40, Rook 62
Ramsgate (0) 2 Tsangarides 82, Davis 90
Att. 489

Entrance: £10
Programme: Sold Out
Mileage: 26/3,911

Match Report

A match that survived an overnight freeze with temperatures at
-5degC and a 1.30 p.m. pitch inspection produced a late, late equaliser for the visitors.

Once given the go-ahead there were still doubts that the game would go its full distance. As the sun set behind the South Stand the temperature dropped rapidly but in fairness to the referee he made a good decision and the pitch, whilst looking difficult, always seemed playable.

Ramsgate, backed by their vocal following, looked the better of the two sides for much of the first half, a stuttering Tonbridge not looking the part of their third place status. But despite this it was the home side that took the lead on 40 minutes with a towering header from Leon Legge. The tall centre half is reportedly being watched by Football League clubs and he did his reputation no harm with a fine performance.

The home side picked up their game in the second half and when Carl Rook converted from close range on the hour the game looked up for the Rams. But Jim Ward’s sides are always resilient and have a never-say-die spirit. With eight minutes remaining they pulled a goal back leaving Tonbridge with a nervous ending, already knowing that there would be substantial injury time.

Six minutes were shown and the Thanet side surged forward, leaving copious gaps at the back which Tonbridge failed to exploit, with a gilt edged chance for Ade Olurunda being the worst of the misses. Entering the last half minute, brother Tim Olurunda gave away a needless free kick and with goalkeeper Jamie Turner adding to the confusion in the ensuing melee the ball was stroked home to seal a point for the visitors, which on the balance of the 96 minutes they probably deserved.

It has been reported that this is the coldest start to winter since 1976 and the last three matches have been absolutely freezing. Tomorrow is the big FA Cup day and, guess what, it is due to be even colder. Let’s hope Gillingham have as much luck with their pitch preparation as Tonbridge did today, because the loss of their TV appearance is going to prove very costly.