CAFC vs Ramsgate – Preview
Following Saturday’s 3–1 defeat at Hashtag United, the Robins return to Colston Avenue this weekend as they take on Ramsgate.
Carshalton Athletic
Carshalton head into the game against Ramsgate without a win in their last thirteen matches, their most recent victory coming in November with a 3–2 away success at Lewes. Despite that run, performances in recent weeks have been far more encouraging than the results suggest. Seven of those thirteen matches have ended in draws, including four of the last six. Remarkably, the Robins have led in nine of those thirteen games but have been unable to see them through to victory.
Last time out, Carshalton travelled to Hashtag United, with both sides sitting two points above the relegation zone. The Robins started the brighter of the two and took the lead on 42 minutes when Luke Read headed home from a Fabio Saraiva corner. Carshalton nearly doubled their advantage through Chris Dickson, but they were made to pay for that missed opportunity. Hashtag were awarded a penalty after Wells was brought down by Oppong, and Kouassi converted from the spot to make it 1–1. The hosts took the lead on 77 minutes, with Kouassi grabbing his second of the afternoon, before Burgin sealed the victory with a strike from range in stoppage time.
The Robins currently sit 17th in the table, two points and two places above the relegation zone. However, 19th-placed Wingate & Finchley have three games in hand on Carshalton, and the Robins know they must start turning draws into wins if they are to climb the table.
The next six fixtures are crucial. On Saturday, the Robins host eighth-placed Ramsgate in what promises to be another tough encounter. They then face each of the bottom three in quick succession, beginning with a rearranged trip to bottom side Welling the following Tuesday, before travelling to Potters Bar Town. March begins with a home clash against 21st-placed Canvey Island, followed by a trip to 15th-placed Cheshunt. The run concludes with a home fixture against 19th-placed Wingate & Finchley the following Saturday. These matches against sides in and around the relegation zone will be vital to Carshalton’s survival hopes, particularly with several difficult fixtures still to come later in the season.
Ramsgate FC
Ramsgate F.C. traces its roots back to 1886, with senior football in the Kent coastal town recorded from that year. The original club folded in 1924, but a new side, Ramsgate Athletic, emerged after World War II when football resumed in the region in 1945, establishing itself at Southwood Stadium – their home ever since. The club adopted the name Ramsgate in 1972.
Over the decades, the club has competed primarily in the lower tiers of the English non-league pyramid, enjoying notable success in the mid-1950s with back-to-back Kent League titles, and again in the mid-2000s when they climbed from the Kent League into the Isthmian League Premier Division. In 2005–06, they won their division to secure promotion to the Isthmian Premier, later lifting the Isthmian League Cup in 2007–08.
More recently, Ramsgate have enjoyed a resurgence. The 2023–24 campaign proved historic, as they reached the second round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, defeating Woking 2–1 in the first round before losing to AFC Wimbledon. They finished runners-up in the Isthmian League Division One South East but fell short in the play-offs. In 2024–25, however, they went one better, winning the Isthmian League Division One South East title and securing promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.
After a slow start to the current campaign under manager Ben Smith, results improved following the appointment of Lee Martin. The Rams have collected 44 points from their first 30 games, with a record of 11 wins, 11 draws and 8 defeats. This places them eighth in the table, six points off the play-off spots with twelve matches remaining.
Head to Head
Prior to this season, the two sides had not met since the 2017/18 campaign, when both competed in the Isthmian Division One South. That season produced a thrilling 4–4 draw at Colston Avenue in September 2017, followed by a 2–0 win for Carshalton at Southwood Stadium in April 2018 — a key result in their title-winning campaign that secured promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.
The sides met again earlier this season at Southwood Stadium in October. Carshalton took the lead on 37 minutes when Fabio Saraiva’s shot was turned in off Kola Salami. Ramsgate responded strongly in the second half with goals from Tijan Jadama and Joe Taylor. It appeared the Robins would leave empty-handed, but they equalised on 89 minutes when David Smith headed home another Saraiva corner. The goal proved to be Smith’s final strike for the club, as the game ended 2–2.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
At Hashtag United, experienced striker Chris Dickson made his debut following his arrival from Cray Wanderers. The 41-year-old completed the full 90 minutes and performed well, regularly finding good positions. He had two significant chances – a one-on-one saved by Jack Giddens and a headed effort wide in the second half. Although he was unable to convert, it appears only a matter of time before he opens his account for the Robins.
Dickson began his career in 2004 at Erith & Belvedere, where his prolific goalscoring attracted attention from higher-tier clubs. A successful spell at Dulwich Hamlet earned him a move to Charlton Athletic in 2007, marking his entry into the professional game. During his time in the Football League, he also enjoyed productive loan spells at Gillingham and Bristol Rovers.
He later experienced a varied international club career, with spells in Cyprus at Nea Salamis and AEL Limassol – where he featured in European competition – as well as a brief stint in China with Shanghai Dongya. His honours include winning the Cypriot league title and scoring against high-profile opposition in continental tournaments.
Internationally, Dickson earned two caps for Ghana between 2008 and 2009, reflecting both his dual heritage and his quality as a forward. He first joined Cray Wanderers during the 2021/22 season, scoring crucial goals to help the club retain its league status. After further spells with Billericay Town, Hornchurch, Chatham Town and Horsham – again scoring prolifically – he rejoined Cray Wanderers for the start of the 2025/26 season before making the switch to Carshalton.
Pre-Match Analysis
Saturday promises to be another crucial encounter at Colston Avenue, with both sides in need of three points for different reasons. Ramsgate are mounting a late push for the play-offs, having picked up five wins and a draw from their last six matches to move within six points of the top five with twelve games remaining.
Carshalton, meanwhile, find themselves in a more precarious position, sitting two points above the relegation zone with twelve matches to play. The Robins have a free midweek, while Ramsgate host Hashtag United in the Isthmian League Cup semi-final on Tuesday. A positive result there would provide further momentum ahead of their trip to Colston Avenue, and the Robins will need to be at their best against a side currently second in the form table.
Key Player
Alfie Paxman is currently Ramsgate’s leading scorer in the Isthmian League this season with 12 goals. The 28-year-old is known for his versatility across the forward line, primarily operating as a centre-forward but also capable of playing out wide or in deeper attacking roles.
Paxman rejoined Ramsgate in July 2023 after spells elsewhere in non-league football. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen eye for goal and the ability to make decisive contributions in key matches. During the 2024–25 campaign, he scored 19 goals in all competitions, including braces in league victories over Sheppey United, Sevenoaks Town, Phoenix Sports, Littlehampton Town and Lancing, as well as netting twice against Folkestone Invicta in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round.
He has carried that form into the 2025–26 Isthmian League Premier Division, where he has already scored 12 goals, including the opener in Saturday’s win over Brentwood Town. His performances have provided valuable experience and leadership as Ramsgate continue to compete strongly at this level.
The Gaffer
Lee Martin is the current manager of Ramsgate, having taken on the role permanently in November 2025 following a successful interim spell. Prior to moving into management, Martin enjoyed a long and varied playing career, beginning at Manchester United as a youth before representing clubs including Ipswich Town, Millwall and Gillingham.
The 39-year-old winger and attacking midfielder made more than 100 appearances for Ipswich Town and featured extensively across the English Football League before transitioning into non-league football. He later joined Ramsgate as a player and played a key role in their Isthmian League South East Division title-winning campaign in 2024–25.
Martin began his managerial career in May 2025 with Welling United, although his tenure proved short-lived. After 13 matches in charge, his contract was terminated in October following mixed results during his transition from player to coach. He subsequently returned to Ramsgate as a player-coach and was appointed interim manager following Ben Smith’s departure in November 2025.
In his opening matches in charge, Martin oversaw a marked improvement in form, collecting seven points from nine and prompting the club to appoint him on a permanent basis. He continues to combine managerial and coaching responsibilities and remains a respected figure within the Ramsgate setup.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 21st February 2026
Opponents: Ramsgate
Venue: Colston Avenue
Competition: Isthmian League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £12, Conc £9, U18 £6, Women & Girls FREE
Tickets: Here or purchase at the turnstiles
