Ramsgate boss Jim Ward this week explained the reasons behind his decision to release top scorer Mo Takaloo.

The 28-year old striker, who has scored seven times this season, left last week and Ward said: “I got the chance to sign Jay May and I couldn’t afford both of them.

“Jay is definitely one for the future and fits into the system I want to play so I had to bite the bullet and let Mo go because I couldn’t see him getting a game.

“He’s a nice lad, and he goes with my best wishes.”

Former Margate player-manager Robin Trott was sent-off on his debut for new club Billericay in the 2-2 draw against Rams on Saturday,

Ward’s men were denied victory by a hotly-disputed stoppage time penalty for handball against Ryan Royston.

Joe Flack, released by the Essex club the following day, converted past ‘keeper Danny Twyman.

Ward added: “The dressing room was very fiery after the game because everyone was so disappointed.

“I thought we were good and they only had two shots in the whole of the second half, one of which was the penalty. Even their players didn’t think it was.”

Ramsgate are away for the fourth game running on Saturday when they visit Southern League Hitchin in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Ward added: “It would be great to get through another round and get drawn against a Conference side.”

Lee Minshull (ankle) is Ward’s latest injury worry but Ben Laslett and Warren Schulz were due to return against Hastings in midweek.