Rams Beaten By Rangers

THE GREAT Notley Rams suffered a second defeat on the bounce when they went down by the odd goal in five to Wilvale Rangers on Notley Green on Sunday.

The Rams lined up with Tom McInerney in goal, a defence from Matthew Norris, Tom Hunt and Emma Root, midfield from Olivia Hales, Matthew Littlejohn and James O'Reilly, while Sam Donnelly, George Morris and Ben Rodley made up the strikers.

Going into this game with a four point cushion ahead of the Rangers in the league, the Rams started the half quite slowly, and went behind to a well-taken free kick by the Rangers centre forward.

However Morris tucked home an equaliser half way through the half and it looked as though the home side had finally got going.

However two Rangers goals in quick succesion, first a high long shot which crept under the bar, and the second a nice piece of opportunism almost directly from the subsequent kick off led to the Rams trailing going into half time.

The second half was a lot more balanced, and towards the end of the game, the Rams were probably shading it, but some fine defending from the Rangers kept them out. The home side's second goal game from the boot of Tom Hunt, who hit a twenty yard effort into the top of the net, but with just minutes to go the Rams finally ran out of time.

Rams boss John Stoneman said: "Two defeats on the bounce is definitely not part of the master plan! However we've come up against strong sides in the last two weeks and it's clear the team have given their best.

"We need to make sure that we start games more strongly than we have been recently, and when we have possession around the opposition box, and a bit of time, make sure we are not snatching at our shots."

Next week the Rams are in league cup action against the Galleywood Youth Falcons.

Rams Bettered By Lions

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.