Ramsgate top scorer Joe Taylor on an exciting Isthmian South East title race after main rivals Cray Valley edge a point clear

Ramsgate striker Joe Taylor is relishing one of the closest Isthmian South East title races in years.

Long-time leaders Rams dropped to second place last week, with Cray Valley going a point clear.

The Millers remain unbeaten, edging in front of Ben Smith’s side after finally catching up on multiple games in hand.

There’s everything to play for in the final 12 matches of the season, with the sides due to meet at Southwood in April.

Taylor, the Rams’ 36-goal leading scorer, said: “It looks like a two-horse race although, saying that, there’s still a couple of teams who could make their way into it. It’s exciting.

“Normally, when a team have lots of games in hand, everyone normally says, ‘They’ve got to win them, I’d rather have the points’.

“To be honest, it’s not worth looking at the table until it all levels out and fair play to Cray Valley because they’ve kept winning and when we’ve dropped points, they’ve gained points.”

Taylor played under Millers boss Steve McKimm during a brief spell at Tonbridge and has stayed in touch with him.

He added: “They’ve got a good side and a good manager, and so have we.

“It’s no surprise to see we’re the two teams at the top of the table. I’ve got a lot of respect for Steve.

“He’s one of my old managers and I know a lot of their players.

“I wasn’t with him for long at Tonbridge but he’s someone I’ve kept in touch with, which shows you what type of man he is and how well respected he is.

“He’s a good person and I still talk to him from time to time.

“They’re unbeaten and we’re one point behind, which shows you how good they are and how good we are.

“Usually there’s one breakaway team but it’s not like that.

“I’ve won this league with Cray Wanderers and we were miles better than everyone