It is always nice to win something and even though the Seniors Cup and Central Division aren't the Holy Grail most Rams fans would have at the top of their wish list, after the season we have had beggars can’t be choosers!
To complement their recent win in the Derbyshire Seniors Cup, the Rams secured their second consecutive title in the second tier competition as they wrapped up the league by winning the final fixture against a no doubt deflated Sheffield United.
The 4 - 0 victory against much younger and inexperienced opposition was well deserved and probably should have been a much more comprehensive score line with many great chances going begging.
It was a scoresheet that consisted of out of favour senior players as Chris Porter completed a hat trick while Lee Croft added a fourth with a sublime chip.
Addison, Davies (Ben) and Leacock were the other notable former first teamers who have struggled to break their way back into the main squad but were on hand to help the team get over the line.
The most pleasing moment of the match was seeing youngster Ryan Connolly, who with a quarter of an hour to go was a substitute for the Rams. The appearance was the first for the promising Irishman who earlier this season suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Well done Ryan – better luck to come next campaign!
Not the trophy we wanted but a trophy none the less. For the second season the reserves proved too good for their opponents but in many cases not good enough for the first team.
From here it will be interesting to see who can make the next step in a Rams shirt and who will no longer be in a Rams shirt next season.
Congratulations to the players involved – let’s hope the winning culture is contagious!
Rams Reserves:
Atkins, B Davies, Pringle, Hendrick (Jones 74), Addison, Leacock, Croft, Porter, Ball (Witham 46), Doyle (Connolly 74), Martin.
Unused Substitutes: Morch, Dillon
Goals: Porter - 3, Croft - 1
Blades:
Aksalu, Brown, Roe, Murray, James, Warren, Chapell, Lokberg, Tonne, Philliskirk, Edgar.
Substitutes: Thomas, Adams, Ahmadi, Pennycooke-Morgan, Gardos.