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Joe Taylor has spoken of his pride at becoming Ramsgate’s all-time record goalscorer.
Taylor moved on to 121 with his fifth hat-trick of the season in a 4-2 win at Chichester on Saturday, as Rams stayed top of Isthmian South East on goal difference.
He’s one clear of Micky Williamson’s verified total of 120, although it’s claimed he scored as many as 200.
In moving on to 52 goals for the season, Taylor has also broken Williamson’s record for the most goals scored in a single campaign, beating his 1968/69 total of 50.
Taylor, 32, is set to meet the man whose records he has surpassed before Rams host Three Bridges in their final game of the league season this Saturday (3pm).
Ben Smith’s side still carry title hopes but will go into that match in second place if title rivals Cray Valley avoid defeat at Hythe tonight.
“The club are going to bring Micky Williamson on to the pitch on Saturday, which is something I’m really looking forward to,” said Taylor.
“He sent me a nice message on Facebook, too.
“I’ve got huge respect for him and the amount of goals he scored.
“He played for and managed the club and I’ve learned a lot about him this year. He’s a legend here.
“It’s really nice because one day I’m going to be Micky’s age and I hope my name is spoken about in history.
“It’s nice to be named alongside him and I’m really proud of having the all-time record for verified goals and the record for the most goals in one season.
“I’m sure the all-time record will be broken - I’m 32, so I’m not going to add too many more - but most goals in a season - 52 and counting - is going to be a hard one to break.”
Team glory comes first but Taylor makes no secret of individual honours meaning a lot to him.
He’s not one to take all the credit, however, praising the contribution of his team-mates.
“I’d be lying if I said personal records aren’t something I look for,” said Taylor.
“I’ve been speaking to the chairman (James Lawson) since the start of the season, asking him what’s the most goals anyone’s scored in a season and what Micky’s all-time record was?
“I sent him a screenshot of our conversation from the beginning of the season. He laughed back then and I texted him on Sunday and said, ‘there we go, mate’.
“I’m lucky to have good players around me.
“We’ve got the best winger in the league in Jordan Green, and the assists he provides, and because of the number of goals I’ve scored, TJ Jadama in the No.10 and Alfie Paxman on the left, they’ve gone under the radar in terms of goals and assists.
“Joe Turner has also been brilliant since he came in, so I really am fortunate to have good attackers around me who make so many chances.
“I’ve had games where I’ve contributed heavily but if you take the Chichester game, I’ve scored a hat-trick but TJ and Jordan won penalties and Joe Turner ran the length of the pitch and gave me an open goal.
“As much as I’m getting the plaudits, those boys have got to take them as well.”