Ramsgate boss Lloyd Blackman expects big clubs to start showing interest in his young striker Rory Smith.

Smith was on top form last weekend as the Rams became only the third team this season to beat Bostik South leaders Lewes, winning 2-0.

Blackman said: “It was a good win and a big performance. We limited them to one shot on target, a free-kick from 30 yards and that was about it. “We dominated and it was a worthy victory. There were lots of excellent individual performances, everyone did well.

“Tom Chapman got the goals but Rory Smith up front, if there’s any clubs around that are looking, he’s a frightening talent. He’s still learning but he’s got a great attitude.

“I spoke to Frankie Chappell afterwards and he gave him the runaround – even Frankie said he couldn’t get near him.

“When you’ve got a defender like that who’s one of the best in the league saying a centre-forward has run him ragged, it’s quite a compliment.

“I don’t know if there’s interest. With the amount of goals, there probably is but he’s happy here, he’s under contract and I don’t think he would want to go anywhere himself.

“He’s cousins with Chappo (Tom Chapman) and they’re joined at the hip. He’s another exciting young player we have and his performance the other day was outstanding.”

The test now is for Ramsgate to maintain those levels consistently, starting with a trip to Hastings on Saturday.

Blackman said: “We’re capable of exactly the same run Lewes have been on because that was the run we achieved last year. They went 22 games and only lost two and we’re more than capable of challenging those big teams.

“It’s just about the youngsters understanding they can do it and working hard because we’ve got Hastings and Hythe next week.

“We’ve got a tough Christmas period but we’ve got off on the right foot.”

Hythe visit Southwood on Boxing Day (3pm).