THE GREAT Notley Rams secured their fourth win in succession with a comfortable three-nil victory over the Galleywood Youth Hawks on Notley Green on Sunday.
Going into the game, there had been nothing to split the two teams in two seasons of competitions, as all previous encounters between them had ended in draws, but the Rams were first to chalk a mark in the win column after a brace from Sam Donnelly and one from George Morris.
The Rams lined up with Tom McInerney in goal, a defence from Jamie McNeilly, Tom Hunt and Harvey Ricci, midfield from Jonathan Stoneman, Matthew Littlejohn and Olivia Hales, while Sam Donnelly, George Morris and Ben Rodley made up the strikers.
And playing against a Hawks team that was significantly taller than most of the Rams, it was imperative that the ball was kept on the deck and swept around Notley Green.
In the opening exchanges, both teams were giving as good as they got, but it was the Rams who took the initiative when some great work from Olivia Hales freed Donnelly who fired in a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.
The Rams then wasted a couple of good chances to extend the lead, although this was also due to some fine goalkeeping from the Hawks custodian, and going into the half time break it was clear that the midfield and defence could not allow any slip-ups, as the Hawks had shown some ambition in going forward.
In fact after the break it needed a fine save from McInerney and some last ditch tackles from Tom Hunt and Jamie McNeilly to ensure that the home side emerged with a clean sheet, while up at the other end, Morris finished sweetly to double the lead.
The final goal came again from the boot of Donnelly, although the Hawks keeper made a good attempt to keep it out, the referee deciding that his drag back save had actually crossed the line.
After the game Rams boss John Stoneman said: "That's two excellent games on the bounce for the team, who have rediscovered their fine touch and passing play. At times we played football which would not look out of place on Match of the Day!"
Next week the Rams are due to play the Hawks again, this time away in the league.
Going into the game, there had been nothing to split the two teams in two seasons of competitions, as all previous encounters between them had ended in draws, but the Rams were first to chalk a mark in the win column after a brace from Sam Donnelly and one from George Morris.
The Rams lined up with Tom McInerney in goal, a defence from Jamie McNeilly, Tom Hunt and Harvey Ricci, midfield from Jonathan Stoneman, Matthew Littlejohn and Olivia Hales, while Sam Donnelly, George Morris and Ben Rodley made up the strikers.
And playing against a Hawks team that was significantly taller than most of the Rams, it was imperative that the ball was kept on the deck and swept around Notley Green.
In the opening exchanges, both teams were giving as good as they got, but it was the Rams who took the initiative when some great work from Olivia Hales freed Donnelly who fired in a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.
The Rams then wasted a couple of good chances to extend the lead, although this was also due to some fine goalkeeping from the Hawks custodian, and going into the half time break it was clear that the midfield and defence could not allow any slip-ups, as the Hawks had shown some ambition in going forward.
In fact after the break it needed a fine save from McInerney and some last ditch tackles from Tom Hunt and Jamie McNeilly to ensure that the home side emerged with a clean sheet, while up at the other end, Morris finished sweetly to double the lead.
The final goal came again from the boot of Donnelly, although the Hawks keeper made a good attempt to keep it out, the referee deciding that his drag back save had actually crossed the line.
After the game Rams boss John Stoneman said: "That's two excellent games on the bounce for the team, who have rediscovered their fine touch and passing play. At times we played football which would not look out of place on Match of the Day!"
Next week the Rams are due to play the Hawks again, this time away in the league.
