Ramsgate manager Ben Smith says his players bottled their Isthmian South East semi-final against Chichester, with the lack of quality ‘shambolic’, ‘appalling’ and ‘embarrassing’

Ramsgate boss Ben Smith accused his players of bottling the play-offs and says he doesn’t know if he’ll still be in charge next season.

Smith couldn’t believe what he was watching as Rams lost 1-0 at home to Chichester in their Isthmian South East semi-final on Tuesday night.

“Shambolic”, “appalling” and “embarrassing” were just a few of the words used by the manager, who said he would be “ashamed” if he were a player.

He’s one year into a two-year deal at Southwood but with Ramsgate expected to win promotion, he doesn’t know what the future holds.

Ramsgate finished runners-up to Cray Valley with 89 points but fell in the play-off semi-finals for the second successive season.

Smith cited a lack of quality as Rams failed to make their dominance pay before conceding the only goal three minutes from time.

“We had more than enough chances to win that game of football,” said Smith.

“I wouldn’t say we bottled the league but we bottled that tonight - massively.

“The players bottled it. You can’t lose a game you dominate like that.

“We’ve got players in there that on their reputations are too good for this level but sometimes the proof’s in the pudding.

“I was confident coming into tonight and we set up to be as attacking as possible.

“It wasn’t for the want of trying but the quality has absolutely deserted. It was shambolic at times.

“Even at the end we’re getting the ball in a wide area and we end up kicking it straight to the keeper. It’s embarrassing.”

Smith added: “Why doesn’t the second team go up every year in the play-offs? Why don’t they win? It’s a disgrace.

“I cannot believe what I’ve just seen.

“For the budget we’ve had, that isn’t good enough - end of.

“I’ve just said to the players in there, some of you, the money