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Local hero TJ Jadama says Ramsgate ran like dogs to shock Woking in the FA Cup.
Jadama scored the equaliser as Rams recovered from a goal down to beat their National League opponents 2-1 and reach round two for the first time in the club’s history.
It was a day to remember for the attacking midfielder, playing in front of the biggest crowd of his life, with 3,000 fans at Southwood lapping up every moment.
“Wow, what a day,” said Jadama. “What a crowd. It hasn’t been like this for years. It’s mental.
“It’s brilliant for James (Lawson, chairman) and Ben (Smith, manager) getting everyone in and getting us doing stuff like this.
“Beating a team three leagues above - I didn’t expect this. I love it.
“We had hope but we thought, ‘We’ve got to play amazing, we’ve got to run around like dogs’, and we have done, so credit to the team.”
Rams boss’ tears after cup victory
Ramsgate adapted to the speed of Woking’s pressing game by taking fewer touches in midfield.
The change in approach paid off handsomely and it was Jadama who got them back into the tie after getting on the end of goalkeeper Tom Hadler’s long clearance for the equaliser.
“Somehow it works, doesn’t it? said Jadama.
“I was running and I was thinking, ‘The defender might miss this, I’ve got to control this’, and then it fell right in front of me and I thought, ‘I’ve got to finish this’.
“It’s probably the best feeling I’ve had in football.
“The game could have gone either way but when you’re the underdogs and you want it a little bit more, this is what happens.”
Jadama, having come through the youth ranks at Southwood, rejoined his local club in 2021 following a two-year spell under ex-Rams boss Lloyd Blackman at Whitstable.
A return was always on the cards and he’s at the heart of Ramsgate’s community work coaching the kids.
He was a man in demand with supporters at full-time as celebrations got into full swing.
“I’ve been at this club since I was a little kid so coming through and playing in front of them every week is special to me,” said Jadama.
“I went away for two years to get some game time, because I knew I’d play, but I couldn’t stay away from this place. I had to come back.
“I always knew I’d be back at some point and I’m so glad I did.
“You can see how much it’s changed. We’re a community club.
“I walk around the place and see loads of people and we’re so together as a team. I mean that so much.”