Location: Christie Park
Result: Rams won 3-2

Macarthur Rams faced a tricky match on Saturday away to Spirit FC newly promoted sitting in 3 rd spot and unbeaten at home this season. So it was no surprise that the game went to the wire with a few unexpected twists.

The Rams started the game impressively as Spirit attempted to play a direct game of root one football putting long balls upfront and pressing hard. But it was Macarthur who gained an early advantage as some neat short passes had Spirit chasing shadows.

It was with 1 of these moves that the Rams took the lead after some neat interchange football Chris Gomez found Matthew Toogood free on the left with a beautiful 30 meter pass that had the home side back pedaling but they did seem to have the situation covered. Toogood though backed himself and left his defender chasing shadows as he weaved passed him and made his way into the box but close to the goal line, with players running into the box unmarked Toogood decided to back himself and drilled the ball from an acute angle into the roof of the net, 1-0 Rams.

In what became a very physical but not a dirty game Spirit only new 1 way to try and claw their way back as they went about their business by looking to out muscle the Rams.

Macarthur dealt with everything that was thrown at the them and could have easily gone further ahead as Spirit had trouble containing any slick movement, but the score was left at 1-0 at the break and plenty more action to follow.

The long balls continued from Spirit and the slick passing continued from the Rams and it was the Rams that struck first in the second half as Craig Cooley proved to be as slippery as always and being involved in a neat passage of passing down the right flank continued his running to get on the end of cross in the 56 th minute to put the Rams 2-0 up and in the box seat.

Macarthur were to find out why Spirit are near the top and why they are unbeaten at home. Spirit made some changes not only to positions but subs that proved to be a masterstroke.

Spirit threw everything at Macarthur who seemed to sit back and try to absorb all attacks, so the game became played with big men upfront for the Spirit and long balls hit from distance into the box. The pressure finally told in the 76 th minute when Spirit pulled a goal back and game on.

Macarthur where to hold on until the 90 th minute when from a long ball Spirit climbed high and equalized seeming to have rescured a point.

This was the moment when the Rams stood up and replied with a winner after some neat work down the right Josh Ford pounced onto as a hesitant keeper waited for the ball to give the Rams the 3 points and a memorable night.

Macarthur RAMS v Sydney Uni - 3 May 2009

The Rams went into this game coming off a disappointing week, coupled with injuries and suspensions the Rams had followed up their draw against Mt Druitt, dropping 3 valuable points against Sydney Uni at home on Tuesday needed to get back to their winning ways.

The Rage however where starting their road to recovery and for only the 2 nd time this season had a full squad to choose from and looking to ignite their own season.

Rage have possibly the most experienced side in Super League, so for the Rams this was always going to be a huge test of character and club depth as Macarthur struggled to field  11players for the clash.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides attempting to gain an early upper hand. The Rams though suffered an early blow when they lost striker Nicolas Martin-Pompl with injury after a late challenge.

With an arm wrestle going on it was the Rams that seemed to have the edge with some neat short sharp passing supplying Chris Gomez then Aaron Cimitile with chances that were unable to be converted.

Macarthur Rams needed someone to step up & lead the team and Josh Ford on his return match from injury stood tall teasing the Rage with every touch as he left players floundering all over the park. Ford made some breathtaking runs none more so then when in the 2 nd half he was given room to move in his own half as he took off defenders backed away and Ford continued until the Rage defenders committed themselves only for Ford to weave past 3 before getting a shoot on goal which was not justice to the mazy run he had produced.

The game was of high quality but needed some defining moments for either team to grab the points. That moment came in about the 65 th minute when a Rage defender received his 2 nd bookable offence leaving the visitors with 10 men.  Macarthur now moved quickly to control the game with possession football waiting for the right moment for the kill. That moment came in the 75 th minute when after a sweeping move and a switch of play Aaron Cimitile found him self in space as he approached the Rage goal he coolly slotted home to give the Rams a 1-0 lead.

To the Rage's credit they attack with desperation causing some panic and half chances falling to the Rage.

The game finished with excitement as Rage pushed everyone forward including their keeper for a corner in injury time. The Rams though broke and the race was on as the keeper and players tried to get back to save off a second killer blow. With the crowd screaming and players everywhere it looked a certainty Macarthur would score, but to Granville's credit enough pressure was applied to hold out, unfortunately for Rage that was the last kick of the game so the Rams secured 3 points and now sit 2 nd place on the table 2 points behind PCYC.