Ramsgate manager Steve Lovell on Thanet Cup success at Margate and the return of Jordan Chiedozie

Three players saw red in Ramsgate’s Thanet Cup success at Margate - but Steve Lovell said it wasn’t a dirty game.

Rams continued their unbeaten pre-season under Lovell with a 2-1 success at Hartsdown Park on Saturday.

Returning striker Jordan Chiedozie added to a Harvey Smith own goal as the visitors opened up a 2-0 lead before seeing Callum Emptage sent off for a challenge on Peter Ojemen.

James Bessey-Saldanha pulled a goal back for the Gate but that wasn’t the end of the story, as two further reds followed after a late ruckus in the penalty area.

Home substitute Montrell Deslandes was dismissed following a clash with Callum Peck, while Jamie Coyle could count himself unlucky to join him as Rams finished with nine.

“It was never that kind of game,” said Rams boss Lovell. “It was a good game, we played really well.

“We got ourselves 2-0 up and then Callum was sent off for a very strong tackle which, back in the day, wouldn’t have been a booking, never mind a red.

"It was a good strong challenge but the referee felt it was a bit too strong and sent him off.

“The boy got up and was OK - Callum probably hurt himself more than anyone else.

"It was a good slide tackle, he got the ball but followed through and caught the fella.

“The incident at the end, their player has gone down in the box, Pecky told him in no uncertain terms he’d dived and the fella took umbrage and lashed out at him.

“Coyley said he didn’t do anything but the officials pick people out and they sent him off and one of theirs.

“It was a local derby, you’re going to have a few little niggles in a game like that, but up to that point, it was a good game.

“The Ramsgate fans enjoyed it, they hadn’t won the cup for a few years, so it was nice for them.

“Quite a