Ramsgate manager Ben Smith says promotion from Isthmian South East is still their aim after record-breaking FA Cup run ends in Second Round

Ramsgate manager Ben Smith was quick to focus on the number one aim after their FA Cup run ended at AFC Wimbledon on Monday night.

A spirited Ramsgate side earned plenty of plaudits for the way they went about their business after losing 5-0 at the League 2 outfit.

But the man at the helm won’t enjoy this cup run if the season doesn’t end with promotion from Isthmian South East.

“I didn’t come here to have a cup run - I came here to get promoted,” stated Smith. “That’s part of the mindset, it’s never been about a cup run.

“I haven’t been able to take it all in. I had it on record so I will look back at some point but I don’t want to be nostalgic about tonight, I want to look ahead to the next game.

“If I’m worrying about how it went tonight then I’m taking my eye off Saturday and that’s not going to happen.

“I’m talking to my coaching staff last night and on the coach today, and I’m talking about Three Bridges, as mad as that sounds. That’s been the focus. It’s how we work.

“It would be nice to enjoy things but when you’re at a club that’s desperate for promotion, you can enjoy it after. You’ve got to get promotion and then you can enjoy it.”

Ramsgate return to league action at Three Bridges on Saturday in a battle of the top two. Both teams are locked on 31 points and although Smith’s leaders have three games in hand, the Rams boss knows their opponents will be keen to put one over a side that’s just enjoyed a televised FA Cup tie.

“Top of the table clash, us being on the TV I guess will give them extra incentive,” said Smith.

“I know they’re going to come flying at us and try to take the game to us but we’ve got to do what we do.

“At the minute, tonight aside, what we do is win games of football and we’re very good at