Match Preview

Ransomes Sports next SIL Senior Division outing is at home to Wickham Market this weekend (15th Oct) with a 2.30pm KO. It won't be any surprise to tell you how fascinating, difficult and competitive this match will be between two old rivals.
Ransomes, of late, have become appointment viewing for the neutral because of the quality of their play this season, and whilst this is thrilling to watch, they are also not invulnerable. With the summer arrivals of Ricardo Phillips and Jamie Cole, this has supplemented the prodigious output of Drew Connick as they become one of the league's most watchable teams.
Ransomes are not the finished article by far, but they are having fun, and there is a self-belief and genuine joy in their play, as well as their interaction with one another. This was embodied by their performance last week in their Suffolk Senior Cup win over Cornard Utd as they produced a display of power, bravery and imagination. Promising signs, but can they repeat the same level against Wickham Market in the league?
With their return to the top flight of the SIL, Wickham Market have certainly not been sent to war without a gun. They have recruited well during the close season and those reinforcements provide them with the ammunition to secure their long term standing in the Division. As such, Wickham Market supporters can look at the Senior Division table with tentative confidence after their opening salvo of league matches. With two consecutive wins under their belt, if momentum really is a thing in football, then the Marketmen have at least a sliver of it after also progressing in the Suffolk Senior Cup.
For Wickham Market, the evidence is quietly stacking up that they have what it takes to remain in the Senior Division following their promotion last season. With two league wins under their belt already and a mid table position in the league, Wickham Market are making a compelling case that they have the wherewithal to compete at this level. There is never any sense of panic about the way they play and that obviously comes from a manager who is clear in communicating his needs (and system).
Wickham Market are clearly learning and adapting to life in the Division, the portents are good as they handle the demands and there should be scope to see the fondations of a decent team developing. They could seriously test the resolve of Ransomes this weekend as the home side attempt to maintain their 100% start to the season.