Ramsgate boss Ben Smith knows what it takes to win the Isthmian South East play-offs.

Smith did it with Herne Bay two years ago and can draw on that experience as he bids to lead Rams to the Isthmian Premier.

They host Chichester tonight (7.45pm) after finishing runners-up behind champions Cray Valley.

Rams had a mathematical chance of winning the league on the last day but, realistically, Smith knew what was coming.

It’s a second successive play-off campaign for the Rams, who lost on penalties to Hythe last season under ex-manager Jamie Coyle.

“I think we got over not winning the league two weeks ago,” said Smith.

“I’m not stupid, I knew what was going to happen – we’ve been preparing for the play-offs.

“We came here to get promoted and we’ve put ourselves in a great position to do that.

“Let’s see where these next two games take us.

“We’ve got a lot of experience in the play-offs, players who’ve won play-offs at different levels, so we’re not going in with any fear.

“We’ll attack it and if we come up short it won’t be for the want of any attacking intent.

“We won the play-offs at Herne Bay.

“Nerves are what they’re all about - we have to play with no fear.

“Ramsgate got to the play-offs last year and didn’t go up.

“What’s the worst that can happen?

“We’ve got to go for it. I’d rather go out of the play-offs having gone for it than go out through being nervy and tight.

“That’s not in our nature so we’ve hopefully got two big games coming up and we’re raring to go.

“People talk about a hangover from the league but since that Cray game two weeks ago (2-2 draw that put the title in the Millers’ hands), I’ve very much been talking to the players about the play-offs. It’s not a shock to us.”

Ramsgate won 4-2 at Chichester 10 days ago but Smith, who is set to be without winger Jordan Green (hamstring), feels that’s irrelevant.

“That result has no bearing on what happens,” he said.

“We’ve got a tough game ahead of ourselves against a very good footballing side.

“I think games are won on the day. It’s not a football simulator.

“We beat Phoenix here 9-1 this season but that doesn’t mean you’re going to win the next game 9-1.

“Things are different, conditions are different.

“It is what it is but I’m confident in the play-offs.

“The club experienced the play-offs last year and came up short but that has no bearing either.

“It’s a different group of players and a completely different set-up so there’s no reason why anyone should be fearful.

“It’s an exciting time and that’s what you’re in football for.

“You’re not in football to finish mid-table.

“We know if we play to our best we’ve got a very good chance.”

TJ Jadama and Jack A Paxman are the only survivors from last year’s play-off campaign.