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Boss Ben Smith thinks criticism of his Ramsgate side shows they have outgrown their level.
The Rams, who beat Sheppey 5-0 on Saturday to make it six wins from six games in Isthmian South East ahead of tonight’s trip to Steyning Town Community, have still received criticism from some, having been knocked out of all the cup competitions they have entered this term.
Smith said: “It’s mental that we’re half-expected to go to Brackley (losing 4-1 to the National League North team in the FA Cup third qualifying round) and places like that and get a win.
“Sometimes, I have to take the emotion out of it. That expectation has come from us.
“When Ramsgate lose a game, seemingly, we’re one game away from crisis. I don’t think I have been at a club quite like that in that sense.”
Smith, whose troops lost in the play-offs last term after a second-placed finish, having also made the second round proper of the FA Cup, added: “I think it’s grown. Our club is quite unique.
“It has quite a big presence on social media. Obviously, we’re not quite on the levels of being on YouTube and all that sort of stuff. But the club has outgrown this level.
‘That’s an 8/10 performance and we’ve blown them away’
“Everyone hates us - it’s as simple as that. People love to see failure or what they might perceive as failure.
“When Ramsgate wins, it’s all about money. It’s nothing to do with how we play or performance levels.
“That’s just uneducated people with no idea what our budget is! But I’d rather be in this position than one of the clubs that’s desperate for someone else to fail.”
A crowd of 1,053 saw the Rams decimate the Ites.
But Smith has called on their supporters to stick with the side, even when defeats do come.
He said: “It didn’t really feel like a really big crowd - but I guess we just blew them away early on so it was one of those. It’s still very nice to hear the drum going and the fans behind the boys.
“The players were just mobbed at the end. But when you need that support is when you lose a game. There will be a time this year when that happens. People just need to keep backing us and getting behind the players.
“It makes a big difference, especially speaking as an Arsenal fan! I can remember back to those days when everyone was very much on the team and it doesn’t help.
“For good or for bad, you have got to get behind your boys. Our supporters did that on Saturday, which was great.”
Smith is optimistic forward Josh Ajayi’s late goal against Sheppey can help kickstart his season.
He capped off the Rams’ victory with a stoppage-time goal.
Ajayi burst on the scene at Southwood under then-boss Matt Longhurst, moving to Dover after trials at Tottenham and Stevenage, but the 22-year-old has only two goals this campaign - ironically, both coming against Sheppey.
Smith said: “He has struggled to get himself back to the player he has been in the past.
“A lot of that is down to belief. Hopefully, that goal will give him a lot of confidence because I have so much faith in Josh.
“We need him firing. If we’re going to go and win the league, we’re going to need all the front guys firing so I’m really delighted for him.
“That was the icing on the cherry on the cake.”
While two-goal Alfie Paxman, prolific skipper Joe Taylor and midfielder Benny Bioletti also got on the scoresheet against the Ites, the match proved a memorable one for midfielder TJ Jadama as he made his 200th first-team appearance.
“I think you saw on Saturday what you get with TJ,” said Smith.
“He probably tried even harder - probably too hard - but he just doesn’t stop running.
“With his counter-pressing when we do lose the ball, he just doesn’t give the other side a minute’s peace.”
The Rams continue their run of away league matches at East Grinstead on Saturday before Tuesday’s trip to Phoenix Sports.
Experienced attacking midfielder Lee Martin is set to return. He missed the contest against Sheppey, having previously served a ban.
