Ramsgate's FA Cup journey ended in a crushing defeat against AFC Wimbledon. Despite the loss, it was still a night to remember for Ramsgate's head coach Ben Smith and the 1,400 fans who traveled to watch the game. Ramsgate usually play below their opponents' four divisions, but they have already won the first four qualifying stages and beaten their opponents in the National League in the first round. Fans of 20 buses came to ** the lowest-ranked team in this competition to try and make history against AFC Wimbledon.
Wimbledon quickly took the lead in the opening stages, scoring the first goal in the eighth minute through Jack Reeves. The pressure continued on and Ali Hamadi extended his lead further midway through the first half. Ramsgate struggled to create chances for their top scorer Joe Taylor, and Wimbledon capitalised on that with Aaron Newell netting his third goal just before half-time. In the second half, AFC Wimbledon scored two more goals, scored by Conor Evans and Hammadi.
Despite the fact that Ramsgate could not bring their fans a celebratory goal, the away supporters still enjoyed the game. However, one fan acted aggressively towards the home team's supporters and was subsequently arrested. Despite the defeat, Ramsgate is proud of their performance in the FA Cup and proud of what they have achieved in the third round. AFC Wimbledon, meanwhile, is looking forward to the next round of money-making matches against Ipswich Town.