Ramsgate's FA Cup run ends as Wimbledon hit five

Ramsgate's valiant journey to the second round of the FA Cup was cut short in a devastating defeat against AFC Wimbledon.

The team from League Two didn't have any sentiments as they demonstrated their superiority in terms of strength, speed, and precision over the part-time team from Kent who belonged to the eighth tier, much lower in the English football hierarchy. As a result, the League Two team secured a home game in the third round against the strong Championship team Ipswich.

Tom Hadler, the goalkeeper for the Rams, who has represented England as a Schoolboy, put up an excellent display as he prevented the opposing team, led by Johnnie Jackson, from scoring over ten goals. He made a series of impressive blocks and saves throughout the game.

Despite his efforts, Jake Reeves, Ali Al-Hamadi, and Josh Neufville managed to secure the win before the first half ended.

At Plough Lane, The Dons are a very strong team. They won their fifth game in a row at home and scored a total of 18 goals during those games. They continued to dominate after halftime, and added even more goals by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Al-Hamadi's second.

The team that emerged after the original Wimbledon disbanded, even though they won the FA Cup in 1988, did not seem likely to suffer the same fate as their fellow league clubs Reading, Barrow, and Leyton Orient who lost to non-league teams in the second round.

Ramsgate achieved their first-ever entry into round two, commencing on 19 August against Bexhill United. They triumphed over four teams from higher divisions before encountering league opponents for only their second time in history.

The team that was at the lowest rank in the competition were not able to keep up as Wimbledon was too skilled for them right from the start. This team was at the top of the Isthmian League South East Division table.

The Rams messed up their game strategy after only eight minutes. Alfie Young followed the ideas of their coach Ben Smith by attempting to move the ball forward from the defense, but this resulted in them losing possession to Al-Hamadi, who then passed the ball to Reeves and allowed him to score the first goal.

Ex-Manchester United player Lee Martin missed the target when Ramsgate briefly moved towards their opponent's goal. However, the Dons couldn't capitalize on their opportunities and were met with a determined opponent in Hadler as they continuously advanced.

The goalkeeper made a great save when Jack Currie's kick got a slight touch and almost went over him. However, the rebound went right into the path of Iraq's Al-Hamadi, which sealed the result of the game. Later on, the goalkeeper saved well again from Al-Hamadi, but unfortunately, Neufville got hold of the ball and scored the third goal. Thus, the game was already decided.

Just before this, Martin had a fantastic opportunity to give the 1,500 visiting supporters something to cheer about. However, Dons goalkeeper Alex Bass saved TJ Jadama's header. The second half was completely dominated by one team.

After a quick corner kick, Lemonheigh-Evans kicked the ball towards the goal and scored. There was another mistake in the defense when Joe Ellul carelessly passed the ball to Martin, which was quickly taken advantage of by Al-Hamadi who scored the final goal.

The remainder of the match focused on Hadler standing up to the dominating home team, successfully making a total of 10 saves.

During an interview with BBC Radio Kent, Ramsgate's manager Ben Smith stated:

You observed the disparity in their aptitude, in their physical strength. Whenever they applied pressure, it was an authentic one - powerful and forceful. They didn't show any lack of respect towards us, instead, they handled the situation in a highly professional manner. They showcased the greatness of their club by keeping an eye on us and taking all the necessary steps.

Before the game, I informed individuals that I would feel content if we managed to keep the score below six. Even though it might seem like a pessimistic mindset, it's important to remain practical.

Our team in the changing room consists of older players who are approaching retirement age. We are currently playing in a league four levels lower than our opposition, and they have the luxury of being full-time players. It is expected that they would outperform us. Although there were brief moments where we showed our capabilities, our lack of experience led to avoidable mistakes. However, we remained determined to stick to our game plan without wavering, and I am impressed by the team's perseverance.

The experience has been incredible. As the journey comes to an end, I can finally admit that. I've been juggling two occupations, and let me tell you, being in the FA Cup second round with all the attention from the media is no easy feat. However, now that it's nearing its conclusion, the thought of not having it around is bittersweet. It engulfs you completely, with people calling you every other minute, requesting interviews and inviting you to speak on various programs.

"I didn't come here to just participate in a cup event, my main goal was to achieve promotion."

During an interview with BBC Radio Kent, Tom Hadler, who plays as the goalkeeper for Ramsgate, shared some information.

The outcome of tonight's game is not the only thing that matters; what really counts is our performance throughout the past seven or eight matches and the entire season.

Last night's game was disappointing, but the opposing team is undeniably talented. Although our football tactics didn't work in our favor a couple of times, overall it was a decent match. We owe a huge thank you to our loyal supporters; it was amazing to see 1,500 people in attendance cheering us on.

We made the mistake of underestimating our opponents due to our lack of experience against such high-caliber players. They were part of a league that employed a distinct approach to pressing that we had not encountered before. Our team exhibited a certain level of naivete in that regard.

We had a few opportunities that could have made a difference in the game, but overall, it was a fantastic day and we had a lot of fun.

I was significantly occupied during the competitive match. I felt pleased with myself for being able to make numerous saves and playing a crucial role in the game.

As a goalkeeper, it's always unpleasant to let in goals. It's even worse for the entire team since we're used to being victorious. Despite this, whenever I get the opportunity to prevent a goal, I take it. Last night, I had many chances to make some spectacular saves.

The game between AFC Wimbledon and Ramsgate has come to a close, with AFC Wimbledon scoring five goals and Ramsgate failing to score any.

The latter part of the game has come to a close with AFC Wimbledon leading by 5 goals, while Ramsgate has yet to put up a point.

The effort was stopped. James Ball (AFC Wimbledon) used his right foot to take a shot from a distance and it was prevented from going into the bottom right corner by the goalkeeper. Armani Little provided assistance.

Jack Currie from AFC Wimbledon tried to kick the ball with his right foot from the center of the box, but someone from the other team stopped it.

The pause that was taking place has finished. They are all set to resume.

There was a hold-up during the game due to Joe Taylor (Ramsgate) getting injured.

The try was unsuccessful. Josh Neufville (from AFC Wimbledon) aimed with his right foot from beyond the penalty area, but he missed high and wide towards the right sideline right after a corner kick.

The ball went out of play near the corner flag at AFC Wimbledon's end of the field. This occurred due to the actions of Jack Parter, who was defending for his team.

Armani Little from AFC Wimbledon receives a yellow card after committing a foul.

Armani Little (AFC Wimbledon) committed a foul.

Jordan Green from Ramsgate receives a free kick in the half of the field where their team is trying to score.

The ball went out of play in the corner area near AFC Wimbledon's goal. Tom Hadler was responsible for allowing the opposition to gain possession of the ball.

The shot taken by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans from outside the box using his right foot was blocked by the goalkeeper at the top center of the goal.

Josh Davison from AFC Wimbledon took a shot with his left foot from the center of the penalty area, but unfortunately, it was blocked by an opposing player. Jack Currie, his teammate, had passed the ball to him with a cross.

Connor Lemonheigh-Evans (AFC Wimbledon) receives a yellow card for committing a foul that is deemed to be unacceptable.

Connor Lemonheigh-Evans (AFC Wimbledon) committed a foul.

Mike West from Ramsgate has earned a free kick in their own half.

The wait is over. They are now prepared to proceed.

Substitution in the Ramsgate game! Tijan Jadama has been replaced by Tristan Holden.

The team change for the football match happening in Ramsgate involves Freddie Oliver taking over for Lee Martin.