Ramsgate manager Ben Smith says they are playing for supporter Ronnie Megrath as his health deteriorates due to the effects of Motor Neurone Disease

Ben Smith says Ramsgate are playing for supporter Ronnie Megrath as he battles Motor Neurone Disease.

Megrath’s health is sadly deteriorating but he was able to be at Southwood on Saturday as Rams recorded their first win since the opening day of the Isthmian Premier season.

They came from 1-0 down to beat Potters Bar 2-1 thanks to in-form striker Mitchell May and a penalty from leading scorer Alfie Paxman.

Rams boss Smith said: “For Ronnie to be at any game is like one of us running a marathon, that’s how much it’s taking out of him.

“So for him to be able to do that and show his commitment, we’ve got to match that on the pitch.

“He can’t talk but he was obviously very emotional and pleased to be there.

“You’re in football for people like Ronnie.

“I’ve got my career away from football, I’m not in it to try and keep climbing the ladder and go from club to club to club, and I’m not involved for the money.

“I’m involved to contribute to the community and at Ramsgate there are so many great people. Ronnie epitomises that.

“We had Kevin Stupples, who died in my first season, and that will live with me forever.

“His last game was the game we got knocked out in the play-offs.

“We righted that wrong last year and got him 109 points and went up as champions, and now we’re playing for Ronnie.

“He’s still here and he’s still fighting but we’re out there playing for him.”

Ramsgate moved out of the bottom four and up to 14th place with their comeback win over Potters Bar.

The Isthmian South East champions feel they haven’t got the points their performances have merited since promotion.

Smith believes they’ve been written off by some.

“I’ve been saying for weeks, the performance levels haven’t been bad,” said the manager.

“I’m really