Grundisburgh comfortably saw off Ransomes in the end by 4-2 in an entertaining clash at The Playing Field with a comeback win that saw them trailing 2-1 at half-time. An eventful first half produced three goals, chances galore and a couple of glaring misses as Ransomes entered the break somehow retaining the initiative.
Ransomes went in front on four minutes as Luke Andrews opened his account for the club. The young attacker moved forward unchallenged before letting fly from 20 yards with an effort which hit the base of the post and entered the net via a bemused Duverne in the Grundisburgh goal.
Brandon Archer then dragged an effort wide after good work from Shay McKay presented the stand in skipper with the opportunity to increase the visitors lead. The home side however, begun to regroup and they got themselves back on level terms on 25 minutes as Miller vollied home at the far post following a recycled corner, but Ransomes went on to regain the lead five minutes later.
There seemed no danger when Harley Rush picked up possession mid way in the Grundisburgh half, but he managed to pick out the fast breaking Jack Randall and the wing back checked back before delivering the perfect cross for Brandon Archer to head Ransomes back into the lead – a lead they retained going into the half time break.
Although Ransomes held the first half initiative, it was Grundisburgh who started the second period on the front foot and playing with more energy. Debut making Jack Friston made a flying save as Ransomes were caught out from a quickly taken throw in but Grundisburgh were not to be denied. On 50 minutes they levelled the match with an emphatic finish from fully 30 yards, and the home side were in in the ascendancy.
After a wobbly first half, Grundisburgh were beginning to find their stride. The match result was now on the line with more than forty minutes still to play and, in fairness, Grundisburgh were much better than Ransomes following the equaliser – when they had chances, they made the difference count and were comprehensively the better team second half.
Grundisburgh quickly built momentum as the visitors’ legs tired and Miller gave them the lead for the first time on 58 minutes. Four minutes later and there was clear daylight between the two sides as Grundisburgh added a fourth with still over 30 minutes to play.
Ransomes somehow held their nerve not to concede again but the frustrating thing about this team is that they do so many things well going forward but it is in transition where the fundamentals need to improve- Ransomes have to manage these moments better.
The results and points are always important, but the main target for this group is to see how these young players progress as a team. If Ransomes want to compete, they have to be more consistent. It is a long journey but Ransomes are on the right path.