20th September 2009

RAMS 1 Real Holtspur 0

Having narrowly lost the opener last week against Eton Wick the Rams were on the hunt for their first win of the season. This match was always going to be tricky against one of the better sides from last season – but one the Rams managed to beat home and away plus the quarter final of the cup.

The Rams lined up as last week, still missing the injured Sean Chivers with Callum in goal, Jamie and Connor in defence, James, Arran and Corey across midfield and Tom up front. The game started lively with the Rams having possession early on and it wasn’t long before Arran had the first shot on goal. Good work by Corey and Tom then resulted in the ball being cleared off the Real line – with arguably the best keeper in the league beaten. However within a few minutes Andrew Mcdonald proved why he is regarded as one of the top keepers turning away a powerful shot by Tom.

It was Tom again who just couldn’t turn his body to meet a Corey cross and it looked like the game was going to be a frustrating one for the Rams. To their credit Real had learnt from last season and deployed a sweeper at the back to pick the balls being played through to Tom – balls which last year brought so many goals for the young striker.

James having picked up MOTM last week was on fire again turning the Real midfield inside out with his jinking runs down the right. In fairness Real offered little threat up front in the opening half but when they did Connor and Jamie dealt with it with authority. As the half time whistle went Calum was left to reflect on a quiet half in goal.

The second half stared brightly again for the Rams with Ben coming on at right back and Jamie taking the goal keepers gloves. The Rams desperately needed a break through early on and it almost came from the foot of Connor after great work by Tom. However the Rams went one better a few minutes later as another Tom cross was fired in – Connor pulled it back at the far post and Corey rattled in for his second of the season. The match opened up a bit after this, with Real trying to get back into the game. The Rams became increasingly frustrated as they went close on a number of occasions to adding a second. It took a brave tackle on the Rams penalty spot by Callum to deny a certain equaliser and minutes later Ben made a terrific last ditch tackle as Real attacked on the break.

Arran, Tom and Corey all went close but the game ended with a 1-0 scoreline – Jamie like Callum having little to do in goal.

So – another demonstration that the high scoring games of last season will be tougher this campaign. This was a match that the Rams needed to win against a side likely to be pushing them this season and the boys didn’t disappoint. A hard fought win against a good well organised opposition.

Congratulations to Connor for MOTM......

Statistics – Corners – Rams – 5 – Real – 4

Shots – Rams – 8(on Target)/7(off) – Real – 3 on 4 off
Attendance (for Nick) – 34 (no arrests) plus two very small dogs....

BULLS v Chalfont Saints Cobras CANCELLED
Chalfont Saints are unable to fulfill this fixture due to lack of players!