Eton Wick 3 RAMS 2 - 13.09.09

Weather – Fine (nearly sunny)
Pitch – Good (and the right size this year)

The boys arrived full of optimism on the back of their cup and league double last season and an encouraging pre season tournament at Holmer Green. A freak pre season accident deprived the team of the hard working Sean Chivers – who according to his Mum will be out for 4 weeks.

The team lined up with Callum in goal, Jamie and Connor in defence, a three man mid field of James, Corey and Arran with Tom Scott up front. The game started lively with both sides showing good skills on the ball in midfield – however as so often happened last season the early chances fell to the Rams as Corey went close on two occasions testing the Eton Wick keeper, before excellent skill from Tommie Scott resulted in him hitting the bar – a chance that last season would have seen the home keeper picking the ball out of the net for sure. Eton Wick responded by winning a corner and after a goal mouth scramble the Eton Wick number 10 pushed the ball beyond the helpless Callum – 1-0.

The Rams responded well and Arran curled a corner into the near post which the keeper saved. From the resulting goal kick the ball was won by the tireless James Heady who sent a scorching shot just wide. Despite good defensive work by Connor and Jamie – Rams were caught twice more on the break as Eton Wick ran into a 3-0 lead. To the boys credit they didn’t let their heads drop – with Corey, James and Tom going close before Callum pulled off a great save on the stroke of half time for the Rams.

The second half started with the Rams pressing forward at every opportunity – Ben came on and partnered Callum at the back with Connor switching to goal. Tom had some early chances well saved by the home keeper before the Rams got back in the game from an Arran corner which Tom tucked away – 3-1 – The chances were coming thick and fast for the Rams now but the home keeper was keeping them in it – Connor, Ben and Callum repelled any counter attack threat Eton wick had and eventually after great work by Tom – Corey fired the ball home – 3-2. Corrie, James, Tom and Arran all had chances to equalise but dogged defending by Eton Wick meant they beat the Rams for the second season running – see them at home later in the season....However there were enough glimpses of last season to indicate this group of boys will not be giving up their title easily. Hopefully Corey limping off at the end was only a precaution by the coach and not anything serious. Finally James Heady won MOTM for tireless running and tackling in midfield.

A few match stats for you –

Corners – Rams – 9 – EW – 6
Shots – Rams – 12/5(off target) – EW – 7/1