CAFC vs Ramsgate – Preview
Carshalton return to league action on Saturday with a trip to the coast to face newly promoted Ramsgate.
Carshalton Athletic
It’s been a below-par start to the season for the Robins, who have collected just 14 points from their first 13 games (4 wins, 2 draws, 7 defeats). Wins over Cray Valley, Billericay, Burgess Hill, and Welling have shown promise, but heavy defeats to Dartford and Chichester – alongside early exits from all four cup competitions – have made for a frustrating start.
However, there have been some recent positives off the pitch. Goalkeeper coach Charlie Acres has returned to the club after briefly departing at the end of August. Additionally, Joe Vines has joined the coaching staff. Vines, formerly assistant manager at Tonbridge Angels, brings a wealth of experience in the non-league game, having played for Bromley, Cray Wanderers, and Cray Valley PM amongst others. Robins fans may remember his brother, Paul Vines, a prolific centre-forward who netted a hat-trick in a 3–1 win over Lincoln City in the FA Trophy at Colston Avenue back in 2012.
Ramsgate
Following their dominant title-winning campaign in the Isthmian South East Division last season – amassing an impressive 109 points – Ramsgate have had a mixed start at Step 3. In their 13 games so far, they’ve won 3, drawn 5, and lost 5. Their standout result was a 4–1 away win at Welling United in September, but they’re now five games without a win in all competitions.
Head to Head
These sides haven’t met since the 2017/18 season, when both competed in the Isthmian Division One South. That campaign saw 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 season that earned them promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Midfielder Fabio Saraiva made his return to the squad in the recent game against Hashtag United, coming off the bench, and was also among the substitutes for the Binfield match. Manager Peter Adeniyi is gradually reintegrating him into the side, and Saraiva will be hoping for more minutes this weekend.
Pre-Match Analysis
Both teams sit level on 14 points from 13 games, with Ramsgate slightly ahead on goal difference. Carshalton are without a win in six, while Ramsgate haven’t tasted victory in their last five outings. On paper, the teams appear evenly matched, so a close encounter is expected at Southwood Stadium.
Key Player
After scoring an astonishing 103 goals across two seasons and helping Ramsgate to the Isthmian South East title, veteran striker Joe Taylor left at the end of the 2024/25 season for AFC Hornchurch in the National League South. Things didn’t go to plan there – he made just one substitute appearance before moving to Billericay, where he scored in his final game… against Ramsgate.
Now back at Ramsgate, Taylor has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in his first six games. His return could be pivotal as the Rams look to climb the table.
The Gaffer
Ben Smith took charge of Ramsgate in the summer of 2023. In his first season, he guided the club to the FA Cup Second Round Proper – where they were eventually knocked out by AFC Wimbledon – and to a second-place league finish, narrowly missing out on promotion after a shock playoff semi-final defeat to Chichester City.
Smith regrouped and led a relentless campaign in 2024/25, racking up 109 points to seal the title. The transition to Step 3 has been challenging, but Smith will see Saturday’s match as a key opportunity for his side to pick up three points and gain momentum.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 25th October 2025
Opponents: Ramsgate
Venue: Southwood Stadium, CT11 0AN
Competition: Isthmian Premier League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £12.85, Conc £8.60, U18 FREE
Tickets: Here or Purchase at the turnstiles
