Ramsbury FC Senior Team final pre-season friendly was against Premiership opposition Regents FC. Ramsbury made a number of changes from their 5-2 win over Marlborough Town Reserves with Dan Offer in goal; veteran player-manager Sean Eviil at left back and Jack Stone at right back.
From the outset Ramsbury dominated play with high pressing play and total midfield control by Dan Price and Tom Mildenhall. Ramsbury finally took the lead with a great corner by Zac Symon floated in for Ali Mair to head in. Zac added a second with a great assist by Pricey and a sublime outside of his boot effort from outside the box. A great one-two short corner between Pricey and Matt Darvell saw Darvs chip in a superb cross for Ali to nod in his second and Ramsbury go 3-0 up. It could have been much more if the Regent keeper had not made an outstanding save off the crossbar from Zac’s 30 yard shot and the post saving Regents as Zac headed against the post after Jack Stone narrowly missed the opportunity to head in another great cross by Darvs into the box. Regents dis respond late in the first half with a swift counter attack that saw them smash a shot off the crossbar and just miss out on their best chance of the game. The only downside in the first half was the shoulder injury to Jack Steen after an innocuous challenge and we wish him all the best and a swift recovery.
In sweltering conditions both teams were grateful for the drinks breaks allowed by the referee and for half time. The second half saw Tom Mildenhall partner Chris Roberts at centre half and Zac drop in alongside Pricey in midfield with George Radulescu come on to slot in on the right wing. Regents upped their game in the second half and held Ramsbury for 15-20 minute spell until some great midfield skill saw Zac skip around two Regents defenders and slot in his second and Ramsbury’s fourth. It was then all Ramsbury as Zac got his third after a neat interception and another precise shot just as his dad came on to replace the evergreen Sean at left back and see his son grab his hat-trick….only 37 years seperate the Symon boys…..but a light year of talent!
Ramsbury went into overdrive at 5-0 with Darvs getting a deserved goal after a mazey run around 2-3 Regents defenders and a fine shot that gave the keeper no chance. Ali finally got his hat-trick with a fantastic turn and superb low drive into the bottom left of goal after more superb pressing play by George, Pricey and Adam who was on in place of Bart who alongside Ali was a constant threat upfront. At 7-0 up Ramsbury dominated the last 10 minutes with Adam, Darvs, Zac and George all going close, but Regents held on to see the final score remain 7-0 to Ramsbury.
A great team win, with Chris Roberts captaining at the back and alongside Dan in goal missed nothing in the air with having very solid games; missing/injured players were replaced with no detriment to overall play and the formation remained spot on throughout. The attitude of the team was as you would want in any team and the team spirit was the force multiplier that made the difference. Well done to all involved and see you all on Tuesday for training.
Jon Symon
