Ramsgate shock Isthmian Premier frontrunners Chatham Town to earn 5-1 FA Cup First Qualifying Round victory; Margate, Folkestone Invicta, Sheppey United and Cray Wanderers also among those to progress
Published: 21:44, 02 September 2023
Updated: 09:00, 03 September 2023
A five-star performance saw Ramsgate stun Isthmian Premier hosts Chatham in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round on Saturday.
Kevin Hake’s Chats, newly promoted into their division this term, have made a perfect start in the league - but came unstuck in the cup in emphatic fashion against their ambitious Isthmian South East visitors in front of a crowd of 1,230 at the Bauvill Stadium.
There were braces for midfielder Bode Anidugbe and striker Joe Taylor, midfielder TJ Jadama also netting for Ben Smith’s side, while Che Krabbendam got Chatham’s solitary goal in their 5-1 loss.
But Chats’ divisional and Kent rivals, Margate and Folkestone, both safely progressed through ahead of Monday’s Second Qualifying Round draw.
Promising winger Jordan Ababio had put Invicta 2-0 ahead against hosts Hartley Wintney before substitutes Andre Coker and Ira Jackson came off the bench to score a goal apiece - the latter converting an 82nd-minute penalty in their 4-0 victory.
Margate edged a five-goal game at Hendon.
They were behind at half-time but were 3-1 ahead after three goals in seven minutes from captain Sam Blackman, substitute Fyn Rutherland and Steve Cawley and, despite the hosts getting a second, Reece Prestedge’s troops progress.
Jacob Lambert was at the double to help Isthmian South East Sheppey earn a 3-1 home win over Kennington, of the Southern Counties East Premier Division.
After a goalless first half, Lambert and winger Danny Leonard steered them two goals to the good and, despite Fin Dent getting one back, Lambert rounded off The Ites’ victory in front of a crowd of 270 at Holm Park.
Whitstable and Faversham were also knocked out by Isthmian Premier opposition - despite the former putting up a good fight.
Having fallen behind in front of a crowd of 453 at The Belmont, midfielder Liam Gillies twice gave them hope of a fightback at home to Wingate & Finchley, but the visitors edged out 3-2 winners.
Faversham suffered their first defeat on their new 3G pitch at Salters Lane - despite playing recently-signed experienced frontman Stefan Payne - as they lost 4-0 to Lewes in front of a 260-strong crowd.
A goal in either half saw Isthmian South East Hythe defeated 2-0 at home to Hanworth Villa while Herne Bay were also knocked out of the competition.
Reuben Duncan netted the only goal of the game in Bay’s 1-0 loss at Redhill.
Isthmian Premier Cray Wanderers eased past Newhaven 5-1 at home in front of a crowd of 173.
Two-goal Yahaya Bamba, David Ijaha, Tom Derry and Nyren Clunis struck while the visitors also had Robbie Keith sent off.
Sevenoaks played out a goalless home draw with newly-promoted Isthmian Premier Whitehawk in front of a crowd of 304.
They’ll meet again at Whitehawk on Tuesday.
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Thomas Reeves