Ramsgate fans playing key role in club’s Isthmian South East title charge as more than 2,000 turn out for 4-1 victory over Merstham

Assistant manager Darren Beale paid tribute to Ramsgate’s “amazing” fans after a bumper turnout at Southwood on Saturday.

A 4-1 win over Merstham was watched by a crowd of 2,027 as Rams maintained their seven-point lead at the top of Isthmian South East.

It was their biggest attendance of the season, although that figure will be beaten when they host the Thanet derby against Margate on Easter Monday.

“With over 2,000 there, it spurred us on,” said Beale.

“The fans have been amazing all season and the away support is unbelievable, too.

“We were averaging just under 1,000 before Saturday (now over) and fair play to everyone. The players really appreciate it and they hear every one of them.”

Ramsgate struggled to attract anywhere near the crowds they get now during the club’s last golden era under Jim Ward.

They won back-to-back Kent League and Isthmian Division 1 titles before reaching the Isthmian Premier play-offs, but attendances remained modest.

However, the club’s presence in the community, driven by chairman James Lawson, has seen numbers rocket in recent years.

It’s a fact not lost on Beale, who is in his second spell on the Ramsgate coaching staff.

“I was there under Jim and then Timmy Dixon and we had average crowds,” he said.

“It wasn’t bad support, but the crowds didn’t take off like they are doing now and that’s full credit to James and the board and everyone that’s worked at the club.

“They’ve got that community spirit, they’ve got people through the door, for first-team games and other fixtures.

“It’s nice to see the youth teams on the pitch as well.

“Me and Sean (Hill, fellow coach) have a weekly ritual, we go for breakfast down the seafront and we watch a few of the youth games when we get back.

“We have a