Sunday 4th October

League Cup/Plate Preliminary Round

Rams 4 West Drayton Explorers 3

On a warm sunny morning the Rams began their defence of the Cup against a side from division two of the league. At full strength for the first time this season with Sean and Arran returning from injury and sickness the Rams enjoyed a dominant first half to run into a 3 nil lead at half time only to see West Drayton fight back in the second half to bring the game level – before Tom scored a late winner to save any embarrassment on the Rams part.

The Rams had begun in a lively fashion with Corey going close after good work from Arran - and Tom causing chaos in the WD box which resulted in the ball almost being turned into their own goal by the away defence. The Rams were enjoying the extra space their lower league opponents granted them – a Tom cross going just over the bar from Corrie. The Rams continued their relentless pressure Tom heading across goal – James firing a shot just wide. The WD keeper demonstrated he is capable of playing at higher level as he saved a fierce shot from Arran and a chip from Sean. But he was unable to stop the Rams taking the lead on 6 minutes as great work by Tom was followed up by an unstoppable finish from Arran – 1-0.

Five minutes later and the Rams were two up as a Tom free kick was touched in by Corrie at the near post 2-0. In defence there was little for goalie Callum, Jamie and Sean to do as the Rams continued to press forward - Sean sent a shot just wide and Tom curled a free kick over the bar. The WD keeper continued his good work bravely denying Tom but he could do little as Tom burst through the away defence and finished coolly with only the keeper to beat. 3-0. Connor came on for James and Ben for Tom as the Rams continued their excellent first half. The half ended with Callum being called into action for the first time making a good save down to his right – and Ben combining well with Arran to send a shot just wide.

Half time saw Jamie in goal Ben and Callum at the back – Sean up front and James, Tom and Arran in midfield – however it was the away side that came out the stronger and within a couple of minutes of the restart had buried the ball past the helpless Jamie – 3-1.. WD were dominating as the Rams found it hard to get back into the game although Sean had a couple of good chances saved by the WD keeper - the away side one a series of corners which resulted in the ball being hooked over Jamie – 3-2.. The Rams were shocked further when WD equalised from yet another corner and the game looked to be going into extra time as the away keeper bravely saved everything thrown at him. But he could do nothing as Tom slammed the ball home after good work from Arran and Corey.

So great spirit shown by the Rams to pick themselves up in the second half after a resurgent WD had forced themselves back into the game. The boys showed much better teamwork – passing the ball well especially with the extra space in the first half. However Simon will be disappointed to concede two goals from corners. The double is still on........

Well done Tom – 2 goals and MOTM.

Stats – Rams – shots – 14 (on) 12 (off) – WD – 8 (on) 1 (off)

Corners – Rams – 6 WD – 6

Fouls conceded – Rams 1 WD 5

Attendance – not bad for the first round of the cup..although slightly down as Sarah was watching Jack play on the next pitch!!



Chalfont Saints Sharks 3 Bulls 1

Match reports to follow