Ramsgate manager Lee Martin on Liam Nash’s loan future, new signing Malachi Napa and comments from opposite number Keith Rowland after 3-0 Isthmian Premier win over Brentwood Town

Ramsgate manager Lee Martin is hoping to keep striker Liam Nash for the rest of the season - and is confident the goals will follow.

Nash’s initial 28-day loan from Isthmian Premier rivals Billericay is up, and while he hasn’t scored in four Rams appearances, that hasn’t put Martin off.

The former Gillingham man is a prolific non-league forward, scoring 71 goals in 137 appearances for Hornchurch, including the winner in the FA Trophy final.

Ramsgate fans haven’t seen the best of him but Martin, whose side host Hashtag in the Velocity Cup semi-finals tonight (7.45pm), wants Nash on board if a deal can be done.

“I know Nashy really well and I know he’s not hit anywhere near the mark of what he’s capable of,” said Martin.

“We know how football works and, being a confidence player myself at times, you want to try and get him a home, and we know he can be effective for us.

“He fits our philosophy, he’s a great character as well, and we know it’s only a matter of time before you get a purple patch.

“Nashy could finish on double figures, he’s that good, so you never write him off.

“He’s definitely one we want to try and conclude within the realms of the financial package we feel is suitable, but it’s down to whether or not it’s feasible.

“It would probably be a loan to the end of the season if we can do something.

“I know he’ll have a few suitors, and he hasn’t really played as much as he’d like, but I’ve got to balance the squad.

“It might be a case he wants to go and play more football, it might be the case he wants to stay, but we’re keen to get something done.

“Everyone will say it’s a loan fail but it’s not because we know what we’re getting with Nashy and it’s only a matter of time before zero goals turns into four and