THE much anticipated fixture against high-flying Athletic Toros took place last Sunday and resulted in a 5-0 victory for Ross Juniors. The game started very brightly for Ross, early pressure and a hungry chase by winger Dan Morgan resulted in a fortunate ricochet off the winger into the back of the net to put Ross one up inside the first minute.

A pin point delivery from Chris Davies less than a minute later deserved better finishing but the boys up top couldn't produce the goods to extend Juniors' lead. After starting slowly Toros settled down after the opening ten minutes and Juniors had to work a lot harder until half time for their chances in front of goal.

Solid defending from the back four of Tom Burford, Leighton Hall, Adam Nash and, notably, Rob Mcafee for his work rate and efficiency in the early stages, made sure Toros were kept quiet for long periods of the first half. On 30 minutes it was new recruit Harry Hall's turn to show his worth in front of goal. A neat flick on from Luke Gray set Harry up just outside the box but his shot didn't test the keeper on this occasion. On 35 minutes Luke's menacing antics gave Ross the opportunity they needed to take a comfortable lead before the break.

Quick feet from Gray left the referee in no doubt about the resulting penalty when he was tripped inside the box. Up stepped ever reliable penalty taker Chris Davies but a good penalty was saved by the Toros' keeper.

Just before the half time whistle uncertainty and hesitancy at the back nearly allowed the home side to equalise. Their chance did not materialise into a goal and Ross went into the break one nil up.

The second half started a lot better for Juniors, helped by a sending off for the away team which Ross made the most of. In the 50th minute Chris Davies latched on to a through ball and made no mistake with the finish, Ross were two goals to the good.

Excellent link up play between Juniors' centre midfielder Joe Loftus and Tom Burford on 65 minutes effectively sealed the win. A sixty yard run up field from Tom was spotted by the beady eyes of Joe Loftus who played an inch perfect ball through for the centre half to cooly slot home Juniors' third. Next came a chance for Chris Davies to redeem his earlier misfortunes from the penalty spot. This time the outcome was never in doubt. A smart finish to out fox the keeper notched his tally to two and Ross' fourth of the day.

The day was rounded off in typical style by Ross. Playing simple, passing football in stifling conditions was always the cleverest way to play on a hot October morning. Repetitive link up play time and time again from midfield supremo Will Barker allowed Gray to use his strength down the wing to create options in the box. A selfless square ball across the six yard area was met by Harry Hall who, in the right place at the right time, made absolutely certain of the points. These are exciting times for Ross Juniors, five matches, five wins, and their 100 per cent record remains intact.

Eagle Inn man of the match was Dan Morgan, whose grit and determination inspired all players to perform at their best from start to finish.