Ramsgate v AFC Hornchurch

Ramsgate boss Jim Ward says the Thanet club are now in the Ryman League Premier Division on merit after two successful seasons at that level.

They followed up an impressive ninth place finish in their first season, by reaching the play-offs back in April, only to see their hopes ended by a controversial refereeeing decision in a 2-1 defeat at Staines.

Rams who start at home to AFC Hornchurch on Saturday, have invested in pitch and ground improvements at their Southwood ground during the summer break, and Ward said: "We have gained respect since being promoted by winning Ryman League, Division 1 South,and are no longer the new-boys.

"The first year we didn't have enough strength in depth, but we finished stronger last season. I know nine of the names pencilled in my starting Xl, everybody is fit and well, and nobody wants to start the season in the stands."