New Ramsgate manager Lee Martin places the credit for their flying form firmly at the feet of his players

New manager Lee Martin’s trust in his players was rewarded as Ramsgate continued their fine form.

Joe Taylor and Mitchell May scored in quick succession just after the break as Rams beat Canvey Island 2-0 at Southwood on Saturday.

Martin was appointed successor to Ben Smith last week after leading Rams up the Isthmian Premier table with two wins and a draw as caretaker manager.

He’s since overseen a 4-1 win over Ashford in the Velocity Cup and the victory over Canvey, which leaves them ninth in the table, only three points off the play-off places.

Martin described the first half against Canvey as “really poor”, but a half-time conversation did the trick as the hosts, led by goalscorers Taylor and May, upped their levels.

“We talked about what got us joy and where success was coming from and we spoke about the fundamentals that got us there,” said Martin.

“Sometimes a reminder, as opposed to a rollicking, is the best way, and we’ve got men who understand their roles and responsibilities within the team.

“It was Mitch and JT who said we need to do better as a front two, because that’s how we’ve built so much of our play through those two, and, second half, I thought they were superb.

“That’s testament to those boys. I know we’ve said it’s all about the players, but it really is.

“They go out there and deliver, we just put across some ideas and style of play, but they have to go out there and implement it, and that’s the difference between where I was at Welling to where I am now, I’ve got people I can rely on.

“More experienced boys are obviously a lot more reliable, so that’s the key thing, and it’s pleasing to see from a coaching team that when we come in, the team-talks are almost done for you.”

Taylor and May struck