Ramsgate’s big midweek win has set up perfectly their top-of-the-table Isthmian South East clash against Cray Valley.

The standout sides in the division head into Saturday’s match at Ramsgate’s Southwood Stadium sitting neck and neck in the table.

Ramsgate midfielder Lee Martin took a well-earned breather on Tuesday as they won 6-2 at East Grinstead and spoke of his admiration for the way both teams have excelled, with their league and FA Cup exploits.

While Ramsgate made it to Round 2 of the FA Cup and eventual defeat against AFC Wimbledon their league rivals took Charlton Athletic to a first-round replay after a draw at The Valley.

Martin said: “You have to give credit to both teams for the level of consistency, which has been remarkable

“Neither team has really had a slip-up, we’ve both been pretty consistent throughout and whoever wins the title will deserve it thoroughly.

Isthmian South East table

“It has been entertaining and it puts a gloss on non-league football with the standard and the level that we’re playing at, the goals we’re scoring, football we’re playing.

“It has been one hell of a season for both teams, it’s been exciting and great to have been a part of it.

“That win on Tuesday makes it even more exciting.

“Two good teams are going at it and two teams who should be applauded for the work-rate put in and the hard effort and you also look at the level of consistency, it’s been remarkable.

“There is a great feel going around the club and it’s been great to be a part of.

“I don’t think there is any home advantage for us, it will be just about who deals with the nerves and plays it as a game and not an occasion, the old cliche.

“We have both been in big games this season and proved we can rise to the occasion and steady the nerves, it should be an entertaining game, one we’re looking forward to and I know the neutral will, I know those who come to the game and watch will be in for a treat with two good teams going at it.”

Cray Valley have yet to drop a point away from home, winning all of their 16 games on the road. Ramsgate’s big midweek win puts them back top on goal difference, just one goal ahead of their rivals.

Steve McKimm’s Cray Valley do have the advantage of a game in hand, however.

Ramsgate striker Joe Taylor scored a hat-trick on Tuesday night in the win over East Grinstead to take his tally for the season to 49 goals – three goals away from a club record. Alfie Paxman and Sinnkaye Christie (2) also found the net as the Rams took their league goals scored total for the season to 99.

Ramsgate’s end of season run-in

Cray Valley’s final games

Martin has loved every minute of this season, the former Ipswich, Millwall and Gillingham player taking a welcome break in the west country ahead of the weekend, with a family who he says are now “Ramsgate bonkers.”

The 37-year-old had considered quitting at the end of last season but after discussions with manager Ben Smith, was glad he decided to stay playing, combining that with his job as under-14 lead coach at Gillingham and working towards his UEFA A pro licence which he aims to complete this year.

He said: “At the back end of last season I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue, I had discussions with Ben, I am glad I didn’t end it off the back of that season, I am glad I managed to prolong it a bit longer.

“Whether I continue into next year I haven’t made up my mind, but it is the best season so far in my career in terms of enjoyment, scoring the goals that meant so much for the club and getting my kids to witness it and they are Ramsgate bonkers as well, for them to see it, it has been good, I am glad I didn’t call it too short, glad I went with it and trusted it.

“I have got to meet so many fantastic people down there at the club, all pulling in the right direction, there are some good boys in the changing room and hopefully we can finish it with a league title.

“Whatever will be will be, we can reflect on a good long-fought battle and may the best team win - which will hopefully be us!”