Ramsgate manager Ben Smith’s verdict on 2-2 draw with Isthmian South East title rivals Cray Valley

Ben Smith felt the occasion got to some of his players after Ramsgate snatched a draw against title rivals Cray Valley - labelling their defending “embarrassing”.

Two late goals - an 85th-minute Jordan Green strike and Alfie Paxman’s injury-time leveller - saw the Rams rescue a point in front of more than 2,500 fans at Southwood.

And while that showed character, boss Smith was unimpressed with what went before it as Kyrell Lisbie and Freddie Parker fired the visitors into a 2-0 lead.

“I’d have taken a point from where we were although I wouldn’t have seen where it was coming from,” said Smith, whose side remain top of Isthmian South East on goal difference, although the Millers have a game in hand.

“We had some players out there who froze and defensively we were embarrassing.

“It’s not often I’d say that but we were an embarrassment and so naive.

“Cray Valley are very streetwise. They’re very organised, they play percentage football and they do it well.

“We lacked that streetwise attitude in certain moments and ultimately that’s what cost us.

“I knew they were a physical side and I thought they bullied us.

“Defensively we were so shaky and that’s something we’ve got to sort out quickly.

“We had some players back there who haven’t played a lot of football for us and the real basics were lacking.”

Smith cited Lisbie’s opener, shortly before half-time, in highlighting the difference between the sides on the day.

He said: “It’s come from our free-kick in their half and we’re trying to play short when we’re actually causing problems by putting the ball in their box and making them have to defend.

Report: Ramsgate 2-2 Cray Valley

“Instead of that, we have other ideas and try to invent something that’s not there and