Ramsgate
Isthmian Division One South East champions Ramsgate had been getting closer and closer to promotion and finally got over the line. The Rams were twice runners up only to lose two playoff semi-finals in the two campaigns before last season’s triumph. The Kent side return to the Isthmian Premier for the first time since 2008/2009 and claimed their first league title in 19 years, when they went back-to-back as Kent League, then Isthmian Division One champions. It will be some feat if the Rams were to achieve successive titles again.
2024/2025 Season
Isthmian South East: 1st
F.A Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Joe Taylor (40 goals)
Worthy champions with 109 points, the most goals, the biggest goal and an almost unbeaten home record. The Rams won their opening eight league matches and were finally beaten on matchday 18. In that time the Kent club had just dropped two points. Another 14 without defeat and Ramsgate were well on their way, they just needed to shake off Sittingbourne. The consistency was incredible, so much so that even their closest rival passed a century of point and goals. The Rams scored four or more goals in 18 league games. The only minor blip was the one home defeat, their last home game of the season against rivals Margate.
Manager – Ben Smith
The Isthmian Division One South East winning manager, Ben Smith was originally the Rams boss two years ago. He lasted 12 months before leaving by mutual consent, but when Tony Russell quit after just 25 days, Smith was put back in charge.
Previously he had success at Canterbury City, where he was a former player and youth team boss. He guided them to the F.A Vase semi-final in 2019. At the end of that season, Smith was controversially sacked with a game to go. Canterbury City’s loss was Herne Bay’s gain. He led the Bay to the 2022 Isthmian Division One playoff final and won. Back at Ramsgate he achieved the club’s record points haul last term and helped the Rams reach the F.A Cup second round for the first time ever.
Summer Transfers
The Isthmian South East champions were competing with three of their new signings last term. Full back, Donvieve Jones, striker Mitch May and forward Ryan Kingsford were part of the Sittingbourne side that pushed the Rams all the way. The trio make their switch to Ramsgate to test themselves in the Isthmian Premier.
With goalkeeper Tom Hadler facing a period on the sidelines through injury, the Rams have brought in Aidan Prall from Sheppey United. Former, Maidstone United defender Raphe Brown left the Stones after five years and will bring his experience to Ben Smith’s team. TJ Jadama will become the new captain after signing a new contract. Relegated to the Isthmian Premier with Welling United last season, Anthony Grant joins a team going in the other direction. The midfielder has over 500 Football League appearances to his name and six caps for Jamaica. Jerome Binnom-Williams was captain at Dulwich Hamlet last season. The former Maidstone United man also has plenty of Football League experience. Harry Webster has agreed a loan deal from Gillingham.
All time top scorer for the club, Joe Taylor scored 103 goals in two seasons for the Rams and he joined Hornchurch this summer. Lee Martin takes his first managerial role at Welling United and Joe Ellul has signed for Ashford United.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 12 / Ramsgate wins: 7 / Draws: 3
Previous Six Meetings
Ramsgate 0 – 3 Dartford (05/04/2011 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 2 Dartford (10/11/2009 – Isthmian League Cup)*
Dartford 4 – 0 Ramsgate (18/04/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 0 – 1 Dartford (30/12/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (31/02/2006 – Kent Senior Cup)
Ramsgate 2 – 1 Dartford (21/08/1999 – F.A Cup)
* Dartford won 5-4 on penalties
Next Meetings
Ramsgate v Dartford – Monday 25th August 2025
Dartford v Ramsgate – Saturday 3rd January 2026
Statistics
- Dartford are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ramsgate (W3, D1)
- The Darts have never lost a home game against the Rams (W7, D2)
- Dartford are unbeaten in three away matches versus Ramsgate (W2, D1)
Match Highlights 2008/2009
Match Highlights courtesy of sonytino
