PITCHING IN SOUTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE DIVISION SOUTH 

SATURDAY 19TH MARCH 2022

SWINDON SUPERMARINE 2 RAMS 2

RAMS MAN OF THE MATCH: Scott Donnelly

Whoever coined the phrase ‘a game of two halves’ surely had this encounter at the wonderful Webbswood Stadium in mind. Hosts Swindon Supermarine went into the half time break two goals up and seemingly cruising but a brilliant second 45 by the visiting Rams ensured honours were even at the end of an entertaining ninety minutes.

 

Beaconsfield started new loan signing Joshua Fawole and he brought the first meaningful attempt on six minutes, his shot tipped away by Marine stopper Martin Horsell. This served as a wake up call to the home side who went close with efforts of their own in the ninth and eleventh minutes, the second of which saw a fine double save by Rams custodian Ryan Hall.

 

Some sloppy Beaconsfield defending provided Swindon with good chances in the twentieth and twenty eighth minutes, only poor finishing seeing the scores remain level. That changed on the half hour mark when Luke Neville was seemingly elbowed in the eye during a Swindon attack. Everyone waited for the Refs whistle – it never came and Harry Williams ran onto shoot past Hall.

 

Then, just before half time Hall came out of his area to meet a loose ball only to be caught in possession by Henry Spalding to slot calmly into the empty net.

 

Half time, 2-0 to Swindon though it wasn’t all bad news as your intrepid reporter won the 50/50 draw!

 

The second period started with Neville, unable to see out of one fully closed eye, replaced by Jordan Ajanlekoko. Olly McCoy hit an effort at keeper Horsall on 54 minutes whilst two minutes later a fine cross by Toby Little was only just missed by Nathan Minhas.

 

The Rams top scorer, however, was not to be denied two minutes later though. A free kick by the busy Scott Donnelly was helped on by AJ and Nathan pounced on the loose ball to send a strong effort past a stranded Horsall.

 

Beaconsfield clearly had the bit between their teeth and played some fine, free flowing football. Lucas Sinclair went close with a header on 67 minutes and Josh Fawole had a determined strong run two minutes later, his shot just dipping too late to trouble the Swindon keeper.

 

The home side seemed content to run down the clock with a series of time wasting antics but that only encouraged the visitors to ‘keep at ‘em’ and on 90 minutes they got their reward when Minhas managed to poke home a loose ball after some great, patient build up play. Fully deserved as well.

 

Earlier in the season, two nil down at half time would have meant zero points for The Rams. Not now, however - they are a much stronger unit, made of sterner stuff. If we can keep the core of this squad together then who knows what they can go onto achieve.

 

Come On You Rams

 

BEACONSFIELD TOWN

1. Ryan Hall / 2. Callum Webb / 3. Toby Little (Sub: 16: Andrei Chiriac, 76) / 4. Luke Neville (Sub: 14: Jordan Ajanlekoko, 46 / 5. Liam McDevitt / 6. Scott Donnelly / 7. Joshua Fawole (Sub: 15: Matthew Harriott, 89) / 8. Aaron Minhas / 9. Nathan Minhas  / 10. Oliver McCoy / 11. Kaine Kenndey-Sinclair

 

Subs Not Used: 12. Jordan Agathise / 13. Michael Neish

 

SWINDON SUPERMARINE

1. Martin Horsell / 2. Pierce Mitchell / 3. Lewis Hall / 4. James Edge / 5. Matthew Liddiard © / 6. Thomas Sharpe / 7. Henry Spalding (Sub: 16: Zac Kotwica, 46) / 8. Tom Mehew (Sub: 12: Bradley Hooper, 76) / 9. Harry Williams / 10. George Dowling (Sub: 17: Matthew Britton, 72) / 11. Ryan Campbell

 

Subs Not Used: 14. Keiron Phillips / 15. Tyrone Duffus

 

Referee: Andrew Hobbs

Assistants: Daniel Statham / Neil Templey

 

Att: 248