Rams leave it late

A pretty poor opening quarter of an hour was ended by a serious looking injury to Rams keeper Jamie Norris who seemed to land awkwardly whilst clearing the ball. Never nice to see a player stretchered off and our best wishes go for a speedy recovery.

Full back Omar Vassell took over between the sticks but in truth neither he or Arlesey stopper Lewis Elsom had much to do as the game got bogged down in loose passes, over hit crosses and poor final decision making by both teams.

The second period saw a more positive Rams side take to the field – Michael Peacock twice went close with headers from corners and Dan Brown fired a strong shot that Elsom did well to tip over the bar as the visitors created more in five second half minutes than they did in the first 45.

The pressure eventually told on 55 minutes when AJ set up Scott Cousins whose perfect side foot shot through a crowded area put The Rams in front. Four minutes later the busy Aaron Minhas forced a save out of Elsom then AJ sent a shot wide, Andre Costa had a mazy run then fired off a shot that was dealt with by Elsom whilst a 72nd cross by Cousins saw Minhas had narrowly wide.

Arlesey had not threatened stand-in keeper Omar at all yet they still managed to grab an equalizer as a 78th minute mishit shot found its way to Rafe Goodman whose deflected effort flew past Vassell. Lucky, but they all count.

Just as it looked as though The Rams would have to settle for a point sub Goldy Capella, in time added on, seized on the ball outside the box and sent in a fierce shot that hit the corner of the bar and post and nestled in Elsoms net. A great way to open your goal scoring account!