It was another top of the table clash at Byron Bay over the weekend with both the Rams and Lismore Thistles looking to cement their spot in the top 3 on the Premier League table. Conditions were perfect and a large crowd turned up to enjoy the sun and watch the action. "The Great Northern "Rams line up was bolstered this week by the return of Captain Tommy Ruhl plus Sammy Owens &, Ian Lennie the enforcer, coming back from injury. However with striker & dual Golden boot winner Jordy Campbell transferring to Newcastle, the pressure was on to see if the Rams forwards could keep their fans happy with plenty of goals.
The relaxed photo opportunity with the ball boys, officials and 2 team captains just before kickoff gave no indication of the excitement to come. The Thistles strikers put pressure on the Rams defenders from the outset looking for gaps. However 4 minutes in, a set play for the Rams sent a high ball to the head of Greg McDonnell "the dancing bear". He flicked it on to wingback Tim Knight in front of goal and with a high jumping header he pounded the ball into the net and had the Thistles keeper well and truly beaten. However the early lead seemed to relax the Rams enough to let down their guard and just 3 minutes later Thistles captain David Beardow was able to dribble his way past 3 defenders to score and even the goal tally.
The goal rallied the Lismore boys however the Rams settled the play in the midfield with McDonnell, Ruhl and Jonathan Pierce overpowering the Thistles midfield. However a simple mistake in the Rams defence created another opportunity for Beardow and he made the Rams pay dearly with another goal and take the lead against the run of play at the 20 minute mark. Just 5 minutes later Ruhl made a run up the left wing cutting through the Thistles defenders and unleashed a shot that almost bent the crossbar. Thistles were trying to hang on to their lead at all costs and started fouling in the tackles. The referee wasn't having a bar of it and eventually sent off the fiery Thistles midfielder Nathan McCann for his second yellow card.
Rams Coach Peter Ware settled the Rams down in the dressing room at half time and they seemed to go out a different side. They started playing beautiful controlled football with pin point passing that totally outclassed the Lismore side. Young Rams defender Sam Robson and Lennie the enforcer totally demoralized and closed down the Thistles attackers. Just 6 minutes in, Ruhl took a free kick at the northern end and curled it across to the far post. The spin was too much for the Thistles keeper and it went through his hands into the net to the roar of the crowd. From then on the Rams made use of the extra player and totally dominated Thistles. At the 15 minute mark Rams Tim Knight was able to flick a pass on to McDonnell. He got a foot to it in time and made no mistake hitting the net and put the Bay back in front.
Yantra Whitling was having arguably his best game this year and combined well with replacement midfielder Korhan Ozakman and Nolan Pierce. Together they dominated the Thistles midfield. Sam Owens too was having a great game as shadow striker and gave no indication of his earlier ankle injury. The Thistles forwards didn't give up and kept charging through the middle. However the Rams midfield kept sending Young wingback Ben Coulter on his way with a succession of attacks and shots at goal.
With 12 minutes to go Sudanese flash, Baitok Thoingkol put a ball through the legs of a Thistles midfielder on the half way line and left the defence in his wake. He sprinted to the goal box and in a one on one with the keeper slotted a beautiful goal in the corner of the net to send the appreciative Byron crowd wild. In the dying moments Tommy Ruhl also took his chances in front of goal and found the net to rub salt into Thistles wounds taking the final score to 5-2. You could hear the Rams victory song for miles and the boys are looking confident going into their 3rd knockout clash next Saturday at 3pm in the Northern NSW Football Champions League Solo Cup. The Rams are currently in first place on the State northern division ladder after 2 big wins, and will take on 2nd place Woolgoolga FC in what will be a do or die clash at Weston Park Goonellabah.
After the game Head Coach Peter Ware said "Our youth policy of encouraging young emerging talented players is starting to pay dividends and our depth is starting to look good. The young guys are gaining confidence every week and they will hit their straps in the 2nd half of the season".
A few of the Rams fans noticed 2 new secret weapons watching from the sidelines. The 2 players are currently waiting for their International FIFA clearance. Jeremy Sutton from Oregon in the USA will bring experience and composure to the backline while Kazuhiro Tsukamoto the "Black Samurai" from Tokyo will put fear into the hearts of defenders with his lightning fast attacks".
