Ramsgate manager Jamie Coyle on their Kent Senior Cup semi-final at Thanet rivals Margate

Jamie Coyle knows all about the Thanet rivalry as Margate and Ramsgate meet for a place in the Kent Senior Cup final.

Rams boss Coyle has had a foot in both camps, working as assistant manager at Hartsdown Park under Jay Saunders before moving to Southwood, initially as a player, on the eve of last season.

It’s 14 years since the sides were in the same league - Rams suffering Isthmian Premier relegation in 2009 - but the rivalry has been kept alive by the annual pre-season Thanet Cup.

Coyle, standing in for Saunders, led Margate to a 5-2 victory at Ramsgate in the 2021 clash, and was part of the Rams side who won 2-1 at Hartsdown Park last summer.

Hartsdown is the venue for tonight’s Kent Senior Cup semi-final, with the winners facing Welling or Chatham in the final at Priestfield on May 3.

Coyle said: “It’s a massive local derby for us and we know Margate are going to be just as hungry as we are to win.

“We’re going to go there as strong as we possibly can. It’s a huge game.

“I’ve been involved with both clubs and I understand how much the fans on both sides want to win the game.

“It’s important we put on a really positive positive and hopefully that leads to us getting a result.

“The pre-season game was a fiery affair and I’m expecting the same. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s an opportunity for our players to show that, if we do get promoted, we’re capable of competing with teams at the next level.

"Subconsciously, you look at things like that.

"We played Tonbridge, who are in National South, in the last round and the players stepped up and showcased what they’re all about and beat them.

“This is another opportunity to do that.”

Ramsgate have been pipped to the Isthmian South East title by Chatham but still have the