Manager Ben Smith says he’s to blame for Ramsgate’s first home defeat of the season.

Rams lost 2-0 to struggling Merstham at Southwood on Saturday, with their lead at the top of Isthmian South East down to two points.

They’ve made a habit of fighting back from two goals down this season but it caught up with them at the weekend.

Smith immediately took responsibility for the defeat.

“You can’t keep going 2-0 down and getting away with it,” said the Rams boss, who saw last night's game at Horndean postponed

“Sometimes this season I’ve made some good calls, tactically, but I got it completely wrong on Saturday and it didn’t allow us a chance to get a foothold in the game.

“I got the balance of the side wrong. We changed shape again and I think chopping and changing isn’t great.

“In possession and out of possession we were asking them to do certain things but I got it wrong and gave the team a mountain to climb, so that’s on me.

“I thought the players acquitted themselves well but it’s fine details and the fine details that went against us were down to me.

“We were pushing for the goal and sometimes you just have to stay calm.

“If you’re calm and patient, at some point you’re going to get that chance, but I thought we forced everything and that comes from me and the decisions I made.”

Donations have been pouring in to help injured captain Mike West as he looks to raise £9,000 for shoulder surgery, with medical insurance failing to get anywhere near covering the cost.

West has launched a fundraising page, which has generated £3,740 in its first week, including donations of £1,000 and £500.

The club are also helping out with various fundraising activities to help the 32-year-old, who was injured after landing awkwardly in a game against Three Bridges last month.

“What you can do?” said Smith. “It’s not the greatest luck for the boy but he’s shown he can bounce back in the past and I’m sure he’ll do it again.

“He’s been a big miss to us but there we go.

“It’s tough but he’s getting on with it and hoping it’s not going to hit him too much in the pocket.

“We’re doing all sorts of fundraisers.

“There’s the insurance but it doesn’t touch a £9,000 medical fee.

“It’s based on the type of injury as well. Where that’s not a debilitating injury you don’t get as much money.

“People have shown incredible generosity and we’ve got quite a few things we’re going to be doing at the club as well.

“Myself and Toddy, who does the PA, we’re going to be running a race night, we’re looking at a charity game, and we’ve got buckets at the gates.

“We’ve got free entry this week, where it’s pay what you want on the gate, which although it’s for our community, it’s also to try and get some more funds in for Westy as well.

“He’s a well-thought-of player at the club and a good person.

“You don’t get people like Westy in non-league.”

West, launching his gofundme page, wrote: “Unfortunately, during a recent match, I sustained a significant injury to my shoulder that has sidelined me and have now found out it requires surgery for a chance to play the game I love again.

“The road to recovery is not easy or cheap.

“After consultations with medical professionals, it's become clear that I need surgery that will cost £9,000 – a sum that is daunting for me to face.

“This procedure is vital not only for my return to football at Ramsgate, it's to be able to return to the pitch and contribute to Ramsgate's title push.

“Our team has big dreams, and I'm eager to play my part in making that a reality. This operation will also be for maintaining my long-term health and mobility in future life.

“This is where I need your support.

“I am reaching out to ask for any donation you can spare to help me fund this surgery.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to the football pitch and a normal, active life.”

Ramsgate gave a debut to midfielder Deshane Dalling, their new signing from Lewes, as a second-half substitute against Merstham.

There could be further transfer activity before this Saturday’s home game against Broadbridge Heath (3pm).