Rams Rise Above Battling Falcons

THE RAMS earned their first three points in this season's League Cup group with a hard-fought victory over the Galleywood Youth Falcons.

With Rams defender Harvey Ricci failing a late fitness test due to illness, the Rams had a fluid line up with midfielders, defenders and forwards switching position throughout the match.

Tom McInerney started in goal, while the defence was mainly formed by Emma Root, Tom Hunt and Jamie McNeilly, a midfield of Olivia Hales, Jonathan Stoneman, James O'Reilly and Matthew Littlejohn, with George Morris the only permanent striker.

And in the opening exchanges it was clear that the Rams were struggling to adapt to their new positions, particularly against an organised Falcons side who sit second in the league with two wins already chalked up this year.

But as the half progressed, the home side tightened up and while both teams threatened, there were no clear cut chances.

The breakthrough when it came was a fluid passing move after McNeilly won the ball in defence and picked out Littlejohn on the right wing. His ball inside to Stoneman was well controlled and then moved on to O'Reilly in space who slotted home from close range just ahead of half time.

The second half was more of the same with both teams fully committed and some excellent tackling on display, and each team having chances to equalise or extend the lead, but despite some close shaves there was no addition to the score.

After the game Rams boss John Stoneman said: "We were fortunate to win by the odd goal as both sides showed full commitment, and the difference between the two teams was arguably the passing move we put together for the goal.

"But after last week's draw it was good to get another win under our belts and it certainly helps in the qualification race for the cup semi finals."

Next week the Rams are back in league action when they play Thaxted Rangers Yellow for the first time.