Ramsbury FC Seniors won an epic cup match 5-3 against Div 1 opponents Moredon FC after extra time to progress to the next round. It was a tough game on a heavy pitch against dogged opposition who scored with virtually the last kick of the game to make it 2-2 and see the match go to extra time. But Ramsbury demonstrated real fortitude, teamwork and fitness to deservedly get their second win in as many weeks.
Sean stuck with an attacking 3-5-2 formation, as per the previous week, and although a few players were again absent, the formation worked well and saw Ramsbury on the front foot throughout a closely contested first half. Proccy making his first start this season in goal was confident and vocal throughout with Mike G, Chris (C) and Dan O in front of him as the back three. Zac, Leigh and Macca were the midfield three with Harry and Max using their pace as wing backs and Adam supporting Ali up front. Ramsbury created numerous chances with Ali, Zac and Adam all going close, but not able to apply the finishing touch to get a goal. Moredon were dangerous on the break and also had a couple of chances to score, but the first 45 minutes ended 0-0.
The second half was all Ramsbury for the first 25 minutes as the wing backs were a constant threat using the width of the pitch well; the three in midfield competed really well to break up play and move the ball quickly and Macca and Leigh were superb in allowing Zac to wander. This led to numerous Ramsbury corners and one superbly flighted ball by Adam saw Harry leap highest at the back post to head in a thumping header to make it 1-0. Moredon responded quickly, however, and pressed Ramsbury back and for 10 minutes or so as they regained the upper hand. This led to a scrappy equaliser and the game in the balance at 1-1. Will came on for Macca who had put in a real shift. The fresh legs helped as Ramsbury gained the momentum and Ali had a superb chance to make it 2-1, but fluffed his lines and skied his shot well over the bar. Leigh also shot from range and Zac also went close with another thunderbolt that dribbled the wrong side of the post! The pressure told though and moments later a superb through ball to Adam saw him smash it into the top corner to finally make it 2-1 with 5 minutes to go. The game should have been done and dusted then, but Morden upped the tempo and only some last ditch defending and fine saves by Proccy kept it 2-1. But Moredon got a dodgy decision by the referee and the resulting free kick was scuffed into the bottom left corner with only second remaining. It was a gutting end to an awesome half of football and saw 30 minutes of extra time.
Ramsbury were slow to start in extra time and an uncharacteristic mistake by Mike G led to a Moredon penalty that Proccy could not save. At 3-2 Mordeon were more composed as Ramsbury lost their shape and momentum. But the addition of Stoner for Ali was telling as he capitalised on a superb Ramsbury attack with a well struck shot by Zac that the Mordeon keeper saved and Stoner was the quickest to react (a first Stoner!) to slot in the equaliser. Moredon complained it was offside, which they had predictably for most of the Ramsbury goals, but the goal stood and the game was back all square at 3-3. Arun came on for Adam as Sean kept his running machine until the very last and what a plan as Arun ran a very tired Mordeon defence ragged. Ramsbury picked up their game and the opposition resorted to desperate and late tackles. Zac got whacked about 25 yards out and took revenge by slamming the resulting free kick in off the bar to make it 4-3 It was then all Ramsbury again as they tormented Mordeon and the unrelenting pressure took its toll with a fine solo run on the left by Max across the Mordeon defence and finished with a top quality 15 yard strike into the top right corner of the goal to make it 5-3 and seal the win for Ramsbury! A great cup match and another win for Ramsbury.
Shirt of shame went to Ali (second one big boy!) for his huge miss!
And man of the match went to Max for his relentless running, tackling and a superb goal. Well done Max and pink suits you Ali!!!
Training on Tuesday – see you there.
Jon
