Ramsgate manager Ben Smith points to his side’s winning mentality after injury-hit hosts beat Whitehawk 3-2 in Isthmian Premier opener | Chatham Town next up for Isthmian South East champions

Manager Ben Smith hopes Ramsgate’s winning mentality will help them negotiate a tough start to the season as injuries mount.

Alfie Paxman scored a stoppage-time penalty as Rams marked their return to the Isthmian Premier after a 16-year absence with a 3-2 home victory over Whitehawk on Saturday.

Lewis Gard and Ryan Kingsford gave the Rams a 2-0 half-time lead but were forced off with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

They’ve joined Mitchell May (groin) and Donvieve Jones (foot) on the sidelines while skipper TJ Jadama is managing a knee problem and Tom Clifford is suspended for two more games.

Rams go to Chatham tonight (7.45pm) and continue a run of games against fancied sides when Dulwich Hamlet visit Southwood this Saturday (3pm).

With Cray Valley, Dartford and Billericay to follow, the opening six games are a baptism of fire for Smith’s side.

But the Isthmian South East champions are used to winning and that could stand them in good stead as they bid to make an impact at the next level.

“We’ve got a smaller squad this year, by design, and it’s just sod’s law to have these injuries at the start of the season,” said Smith.

“It’s a tough period now, so it was a relief to get those three points on the board early doors.

“It’s a very, very tough start to the season for us but these are the games you want to be involved in.

“We can moan about injuries or we can get on with it and see how we go.

“On Saturday, I was thinking this is going to be a tough old day with the players we’ve got out but the boys put in a good performance and we found a way to win.

“That’s something we’re good at doing - we’re good at winning.

“When you’ve got that winning mentality, you want to keep it as long as possible.

“Sometimes you