'We have left them behind'

AFTER several seasons of being the nearly-men, Ramsgate have lifted the Isthmian League South East trophy, and manager Ben Smith believes key to their success has been getting the balance between work and play just right - with regular spa days.

- By KAYLEE SECKINGTON

The Rams sealed the title with a 4-0 win over already-relegated Hythe Town on Good Friday before officially lifting the trophy after a 4-1 defeat to local rivals Margate on Easter Monday.

It means the Rams will be competing in the Isthmian League Premier next season, while Margate will be playing Burgess Hill Town away in the play-off semi-final on Tuesday, April 29 in a bid to join them.

After a weekend of celebrating the title and getting the chance to lift the trophy in front of their biggest rivals, Smith wasn't too bothered about Monday's defeat - insisting in the greater system of things Ramsgate have 'left Margate in their wake'.

"After the title was confirmed on Friday, there were a few sore heads over the weekend, that's for sure!" Smith said of Ramsgate's celebrations. "I think that culminated in the result against Margate.