Ramsgate defender Raphe Brown encouraged by performance in 3-2 defeat by Isthmian Premier leaders Folkestone Invicta

Defender Raphe Brown felt Ramsgate deserved something from their Kent derby against Isthmian Premier leaders Folkestone.

Rams battled back from 2-0 down at Southwood on Saturday but lost 3-2 to an injury-time goal.

It was just a second defeat in 11 games under new boss Lee Martin and hard to take after an impressive fightback.

Rams are 14th in the table following the loss.

“It was a tough game, they’re a good team, but I think we deserved to get something out of it,” said Brown.

“We battled hard, it just wasn’t our day.”

Brown was disappointed with the first two goals as Ade Yusuff and Jake Hutchinson put Folkestone in charge.

Solomon Ogunwomoju and Benny Bioletti levelled the derby but Donell Thomas scored Invicta’s winner in the fourth minute of added time.

“The first goal and especially the second, we gave them, they didn’t really cut us open,” said Brown.

“But they’ve got the quality in moments to win a game like that and fair play to them.

“It shows where they are in the league right now.

“We’re in the same league and anyone can beat anyone. You’ve just got to go out and do your best.

“We’re all the same level but you have to respect everyone and Folkestone are the best team in the league right now.

“We gave them a really good game, we went toe-to-toe with them and that should give the boys confidence.

“Small margins won the game.”

Bioletti’s return, after weeks out with a heel injury, was a major plus for Ramsgate.

He scored with his first touch following his introduction from the bench as the hosts made it 2-2.

“He’s been out for a while and he deserved that goal,” said Brown. “He’s a big player for us and we need him.

“We’ve missed him. We need to keep him fit.”