Ramsbury FC U15s lost 5-2 today against a tough RWB U15s side who did not shy away from pushing or fouling when going for 50/50 balls and although we had a number of free kicks a more stringent referee would have hopefully made the game a little more even by penalising RWB more often. The final score did not reflect the game as Ramsbury dominated the first 20 minutes but failed to convert our chances. Our opposition, on the other hand, rode their luck as their first goal was misjudged by Tom and the defence on the skiddy surface and the ball scooted under Tom’s feet for the RWB centre forward to simply tap in to go 1-0 up. Very much against the run of play!

Another bit of luck for RWB saw a speculative shot that was going wide hit a Ramsbury player and ricochet into the goal to make it 2-0, which was really bad luck and unfortunately saw some players drop their heads a bit. Ramsbury became disjointed and although Seb, Josh, Maya and Reece all worked really well in defence with Scott, Noah and Euan keeping their shape in the middle and getting ball wide to Fred and Kieran to release forward to Ben P, there was a lack of urgency and composure. With 15 minutes left in the first half Max, Hayden and Ben B came on for Fred, Seb and Maya to give them a breather and all played really well. Although we had further chances with Ben P, Scott, Noah and Euan all threatening the RWB goal, RWB hung on and kept the score 2-0 at half time.

The first 15 minutes of the second half saw RWB control the game much better and go very close early on with some well worked passing. Reece and Josh were superb in defence and worked so well on the right with Hayden, Ben B and Noah negating the RWB threat on the right wing. But it was RWB that scored with a well crafted goal through the middle to make it 3-0 and put the pressure very much on Ramsbury. Ben P came off for a break and Barney went up front with Scott on the right and Max holding as CDM with Euan. Ramsbury played some good football but were lacking belief in their attacks and struggled to clear out of defence quickly enough. Scott did some brilliant heading on the corners and Tom made an outstanding save from a great RWB free kick to keep it 3-0. However, it was RWB who scored next with another bit of luck that saw their centre forward wriggle past Josh and Ben B to score and make it 4-0 and pretty much game over.

Surprisingly, Ramsbury upped the tempo and a fantastic strike by Josh clawed a goal back to make it 4-1 and give the team hope. It was then all Ramsbury and like the first 20 minutes in the first half we were the better team and should have scored through Scott and Noah. Maya, Fred, Seb and Ben P all came back on and kept pressing RWB and definitely deserved a goal. But it was RWB on a swift counter and with 4 v 2 who scored next to make it 5-1. Ramsbury kept going and a brilliant interception by Noah and superb solo run and cross by Scott across the RWB defence fell to Euan who calmly slotted in to make it 5-2. If the game had gone on for another 15 minutes I think Ramsbury would have scored more as our fitness was better and our desire and determination was much more evident. However, the late surge was a bit too late and the score remained 5-2.

Although a loss, all the team should be proud of their battling performance and know that the score flattered the opposition. There were some great performances today but Ben P, Scott and Noah stood out with Reece, Seb and Josh up for Player of the Match. It went to Reece for yet another battling display and great passing (Euan has the trophy!) and moment of the match was Josh’s superb goal.

Great support as always and thanks to Andy and Geoff as always; Lisa and Trina for running the Clubhouse Café (Thank you so much) and all parent and guardian support!

Next is our Cup Re-Match against MYFC and lets have as many players as we can as all will get match time against a tough well organised MYFC team! Let me know on SPOND availability and see you all at training next Saturday.

Jon

PS trophy Euan!!!!!!!