Ramsbury FC had yet another tough game away to Swindon Centurians who with a another win would go top of the league.

The match started poorly for Ramsbury as the team’s slow reaction saw the Centurians score an early goal through their two very quick strikers. But Ramsbury responded well and some excellent work on the right by Harry to Pricey and Gareth in midfield saw them combine to feed Macca for a great opportunity that was blocked and out for a corner. Zac took the corner and floated in a perfect ball for Gareth to leap like a startled gazelle and head into the top corner to make it 1-1. Ramsbury had plenty of the ball and were dangerous going forward with Adam, Darvs and Zac all beating the opposition defence for pace and skill. Darvs had a glorious chance to make it 2-1 but unfortunately scuffed his shot wide. Sean was so incensed he discarded the sheepskin and stamped on it shouting ‘Darvs is wearing that shirt of shame’….and something that sounded like skittle trucker….but I could make it out!?

Centurians were also dangerous on the break and especially with corners where they had two clear opportunities to score but for some last ditch defending by Chris and Dan and a fine save from Geoff. However, another break and quick cross caught out the Ramsbury defence and a scuffed shot spun in to make it 2-1. Although there were appeals for offside the goal stood and the half ended 2-1 to Centurians.

In the second half Ramsbury upped the tempo and were far the better team dominating play and having a host of chances that just missed the target or were saved. It was 25 minutes of survival football for the opposition as Ramsbury used Leigh and Harry as outlets to Zac and Darvs on the wings and got the ball into Macca and Adam. It was relentless pressure and Pricey and Gareth in midfield broke up play really well and did not allow the opposition to play. Sam came on for Macca who had another great game up front and the Centurians made two changes as both teams started to tire in a very physical game that the ref struggled to control where there were more bad tackles than decent passes.

A cynical tackle on Zac led to more handbags and another free kick and from 30 yards Zac’s shot took needed a diving finger tip save to tip the ball off the bar and out for a corner – so close to it being 2-2! Stoner came on for Harry as the physicality took its toll and he limped off and Dan was also hobbling at the back as the game became more erratic. It was end to end stuff and a rare break by Centurians saw their fresh legs pay off as their young sub got a lucky touch and the momentum took him past Chris and Dan to shoot past Geoff and make it 3-1. It was a real blow and took the wind out Ramsbury’s sails. Although they still pressed to the end, the opposition shut up shop and the score remained 3-1 and, yet again, another score line that flattered the opposition and did not do Ramsbury justice. Great game by Gareth in midfield for the missing Tom and also Leigh at left back and great to see Sam play too.

It should be noted that our losses have been against 3 of the top four teams in the Div and in two of those games we deserved more. Cricklade Town Res next at home – lets get a strong team out and get a first home win! See you all at training on Tuesday.

Jon