Out but not down

Ramsgate's fabulous waltz through the Emirates FA Cup finally came to an end as AFC Wimbledon triumphed in the Second Round last night- but the Rams depart the competition with their heads held high.

The Dons delivered a professional performance, and in the end were just too good for our Pitching In Isthmian South East leaders- but there were many positives to take from the Rams performance, and the club have won themselves a lot of friends along the way.

Rams keeper Tom Hadler (pictured- courtesy of the Emirates FA Cup 'X' feed, photographer sadly unnamed) perhaps had the most to be proud of, delivering an inspired performance and making twelve fine saves. How he didn't win the Man of the Match Award, heaven knows! TJ Jadama was bright throughout and posed the most threat for the visitors, and had his effort gone in when the Dons were just two goals up, perhaps we might have had a different outcome. The atmosphere around the ground was almost entirely created by the travelling faithful, who sang and roared their encouragement throughout, and were still doing the same after the full time whistle.

To reach this stage the Rams had already needed to negotiate six rounds. They had already played seven matches, defeated four sides from Step Three or- in the case of First Round victims Woking, Step One- and scored nineteen goals.

The Rams were never going to win the FA Cup. Their focus is entirely on promotion- and they'll quickly need to shake off any Cup hangover as they travel to second place Three Bridges on Saturday. But their cup heroics have put the club firmly on the map, increased the crowds enormously, and provided inspiration for a host of local children.

Our Pitching In Isthmian interest in the FA Cup is over. But Ramsgate, along with Horsham, Cray Valley PM and Sheppey United, have given us some amazing afternoons, some exciting evenings, and a host of magnificent memories.

The last men have finally fallen. But goodness, they made us proud.

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