Jim Ward was philosophical about Ramsgate’s early exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Kent rivals Folkestone Invicta, courtesy of Jimmy Dryden’s late winner at Cheriton Road on Saturday.

Ward said: “ It was a disappointing all-round display, and a replay would have been the most we deserved. We had as many attempts on goal, but they had more on target.

“It wasn’t through lack of effort on our part, and we got done by a sucker punch.”

Ward added: “Take nothing away from Folkestone though, they played well, and I think Neil Cugley has made some good signings. It’s been one of my happier hunting grounds, and I went there expecting to do better.Our ‘keeper Jack Delo was man-of-the-match and that says it all.”

Dryden settled the tie seizing on a poor back pass by Dan Tanner and lobbing Delo. It was tough luck on the former Herne Bay goalkeeper who pulled off a string of fine saves to keep Ramsgate in the game.

Rams face the Ryman League Premier Division’s top two in the space of four days. Second-placed Staines visit on Saturday, and they then travel to leaders Dover on Tuesday (7.45pm).