THE GREAT Notley Rams suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of title-rivals Meadow Youth Lions on Sunday.
The Rams lined up with Tom McInerney in goal, a defence from Jamie McNeilly, Tom Hunt and Emma Root, midfield from Jonathan Stoneman, Matthew Littlejohn and James O'Reilly, while Sam Donnelly, George Morris and Matthew Norris made up the strikers.
In the early exchanges it was Meadow who had the lion share of the possession forcing a number of early corners which the visitors dealt with, although the Rams could not keep hold of the ball well enough to make a major impact on the Lions keeper.
There were some excellent headers by Emma Root and Matthew Littlejohn from the monstrous goalkicks delivered by the Lions keeper, and towards the end of the half and somewhat against the run of play, the Rams took the lead thanks to amazing persistance from Sam Donnelly to win the ball and then drill home from close range.
In the second half, the Lions came strongly again, and shortly into the half they found an equaliser after a goalmouth scramble was poked into the Rams net. The subsequent goals from the Lions were of similar fashion and while Notley had a couple of chances to equalise, the Lions defence always had enough to protect their lead.
Rams boss John Stoneman said: "It was a highly competitive game, and both sides should be commended for their efforts, and for attempting to play passing football.
"On the day though, the Lions just had too much for us, but I was delighted with the effort shown and I know we will come again."
Next week the Rams host Wilvale Rangers on Notley Green.
