New signing Lauric Diakiesse is making the most of his second chance at Ramsgate.

He’s scored twice in two games, including the second goal in a 3-1 victory at East Grinstead on Saturday as Steve Lovell’s side maintained their three-point lead in Isthmian South East.

The striker had a brief trial at Southwood in pre-season but was let go and started the campaign at Ashford before being released by the Nuts & Bolts.

Rams boss Lovell decided to have another look at Diakiesse and there’s no arguing with his form so far.

He also scored on his debut last Tuesday as Rams beat Beckenham on penalties in the Kent Senior Cup after a 4-4 draw.

“Lauric came to us in pre-season, he had one game, he missed a penalty and didn’t have the best of games and that was it,” said Lovell.

“It was during a period where we had lots of players in and out to see what we had.

"I just wanted to see him again, because we hadn’t seen enough of him, and he’s come in and scored two in two games.

“I wouldn’t say he’s come back hungrier, he’s always had that hunger, it was us not giving him enough of an opportunity before.

“When he was with us in the summer I was looking for something a little bit more out of a centre-forward but if he’s scoring goals and working hard, you can’t ask much more than that.

"No one’s guaranteed to play every week, you’ve got to earn that. If he plays well he stays in and others have to wait for their opportunity.”

Ashley Miller, who played under Lovell in the Gillingham youth team, scored the other two goals in a dominant win at East Grinstead.

Now 28, Miller has bought into his old manager’s methods at Southwood and is reaping the rewards.

“I’ve known Ashley a long time, he’s a good lad, a good pro and a good player,” said Lovell.

“He got two on Saturday and could have had six but the keeper had a very good day and the defenders cleared a couple off the line.

"The big thing I’ve instilled into this squad is you can have all the ability in the world but you’ve got to work hard off the ball as well, you’ve got to work for the team defensively and that’s what Ashley does.

“He’s brought that into his game a lot more.

“With the two boys working hard up front, it helps the rest of the team.

“It makes defenders make mistakes and gives you opportunities to score.

“A lot of the chances Ashley’s getting are because he’s worked hard to close down, defenders are making mistakes putting the ball into areas where our midfielders are picking it up and slotting it to Ashley, who’s done the work in the first place.”

Ramsgate will make changes for their Velocity Cup second-round tie at home to managerless Faversham tomorrow before hosting struggling Corinthian in the league on Saturday (3pm).

The Hoops are bottom of the league, taking only one point from their first eight games.

Lovell said: “It’s a game everybody will expect us to win but it can be a banana skin.

“Sheppey came to us last Saturday, not being in the best position in the league, and thoroughly deserved to beat us.

“It doesn’t matter where teams are in the league, they’re all tough games.

“Everybody’s beating everybody, it’s going to be a tight league this year.

“It’s not just half a dozen teams, you’ve got 10 or 12 in a position to push on.”