William Bewsey
2:30pm, Tue 31st Oct 2023
Ramsgate v Woking
Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper
Southwood Stadium
Saturday 4th November 2023
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking will hope to avoid a cupset when they travel to one of the lowest ranked sides to make the first round proper in Isthmian South East side Ramsgate.
With the hosts having sold out this fixture within a day of tickets going on sale, there is much anticipation in Thanet; in fact this is the first time the Rams have ever hosted the FA Cup proper rounds, so Woking will have to be professional if they are to progress to round two.
After Saturday's defeat to Bromley, Darren Sarll might look to change up his squad, but with Alfie Pavey one of a couple of players cup tied or unavailable, the likes of Sam Habergham could return to the squad after his recovery from injury.
Opposition Watch
Thanks to Ramsgate fan Ryan Smith for information regarding the opposition.
After a crushing defeat in the play off semi final on penalties to Hythe Town at their own ground, Ramsgate have made a flying start to the league this season. Despite just playing six league games due to their FA Cup and Trophy adventures, the Rams have won five of their six league fixtures, losing once and putting them fifth in the table, with as many as four games in hand on teams above them such as league leaders Three Bridges.
Striker Joe Taylor was the Isthmian Premier top scorer last season for Lewes, and in moving closer to home in Kent, he's out to break more milestones this season. The year old is currently the FA Cup's second top scorer with nine in six games, whilst he has eight in six games in the league, meaning he has an astonishing 17 goals in 12 games so far this season.
Another key player is former Manchester United, Millwall and Exeter midfielder Lee Martin. With over 300 EFL appearances, the 36-year-old is now winding his career down with the Rams, but is still a key player with his crossing and set pieces in particular causing problems.
Other notable names include former Dagenham and Barnet midfielder (and musician) Medy Elito, former Barnsley and Gillingham forward Jordan Green, and former Ebbsfleet midfielder and club captain Mike West, as the Rams will turn to their experienced names to help pull off another shock.
Ben Smith's side have seen past Bexhill United, Chatham Town, Cray Wanderers, Frome Town and AFC Totton to get to this stage, playing six games in total.
Last Time Out
This will be the first meeting between the Cards and Ramsgate, and will be their first appearance in the first round proper since 2005.
Around the Ground
This game is sold out, so there are no tickets available as Woking have sold our 500 allocation.
The Cards Trust are running a coach and there are still spaces available, information is available
here.
Ramsgate station is a 20 minute walk from the Southwood Stadium and is regularly served by fast trains from London St Pancras.
Please note that if you are planning to drive to the Southwood Stadium, the London-bound slip road from M2 junction 5 will be closed on the weekend of 4 November, so fans are advised to consider an alternative route.
