THE Great Notley Rams recorded their first ever win and collected all three points in their league opening fixture against Maldon Saints Tigers at Notley Green on Sunday.
Goals from Samuel Donnelly, James O'Reilly and a netburster from Jamie McNeilly set the team on their way to victory, while at the other end some inspired goalkeeping from Emma Root denied the Saints from pegging back anything more than a consolation goal.
The Rams lined up with three in defence having isolated this as a problem from their two friendly fixtures and the outcome was a much more resolute formation with Ben Rodley, Olivia Hales and Harvey Ricci all making timely interceptions throughout the fifty minutes.
O'Reilly, Tom McInerney and Jonathan Stoneman linked well in midfield while lone striker Matthew Norris was a constant threat with his pace and trickery.
Donnelly started the scoring with a well-taken effort in the first half, while McNeilly's goal came midway through the second half, shortly after another chance which looked to have crossed the line was controversially ruled out by the referee.
Shortly after that, the Saints gave Rams boss John Stoneman something to sweat about when they pulled one back with a fine effort from distance, but O'Reilly was on hand to convert a free kick and restore the two-goal cushion.
After the game Stoneman said: "I was delighted to leave the field with the three league points safely tucked away in the kit bag."
