In a disappointing league encounter at Burnden Park on 19 October 2024, Rammy Rhinos faced a daunting challenge against Tiki Taka, ultimately succumbing to a heavy 9-3 defeat, which flattered the home team. The match kicked off at 10:00 am, and despite a spirited effort, the Rhinos were unable to contain their opponents, who showcased their attacking prowess throughout the game.
Rammy Rhinos lined up in a 1-1-3-1 formation, with Toby Ozluk stationed as the goalkeeper. In front of him, Seb Smith took on the role of central defender, while Arnie Lyons operated as a central midfielder. The attacking midfield trio consisted of Rocco Balsamo on the right, Fred Lyons on the left, and Jacob Yapici in a more central attacking role. Harrison Hargreaves was deployed as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals and leading the line.
The substitutes for Rammy Rhinos were not disclosed, but the starting line-up was set to face a formidable Tiki Taka side, known for their quick passing and fluid movement. The Rhinos needed to maintain defensive discipline while exploiting any opportunities on the counter-attack.
The match began with a rapid onslaught from Tiki Taka, who opened the scoring just one minute in. The Rhinos were caught off guard, and the early goal set the tone for a challenging first half. Tiki Taka doubled their lead in the fifth minute, leaving Rammy Rhinos scrambling to regain their composure.
By the twelfth minute, the situation worsened for the Rhinos as Tiki Taka netted a third goal, effectively putting the game beyond reach for the struggling side. However, Rammy Rhinos found a glimmer of hope in the sixteenth minute when Arnie Lyons scored, assisted by Fred Lyons with a well-placed cross from the left. This goal, struck from outside the area, injected some life into the Rhinos' performance.
Unfortunately, Tiki Taka responded swiftly, scoring again in the twenty-fourth minute to restore their three-goal advantage. The first half concluded with the score at 4-1 in favour of Tiki Taka, leaving Rammy Rhinos with a mountain to climb in the second half.
As the second half commenced, the Rhinos showed signs of resilience. In the twenty-ninth minute, Arnie Lyons struck again, this time tapping in a goal after a long pass from goalkeeper Toby Ozluk. The Rhinos were beginning to find their rhythm, and the score was now 4-2.
Harrison Hargreaves then joined the scoring in the thirty-sixth minute, converting a cross from Arnie Lyons to bring the score to 4-3. The Rhinos were within touching distance of a remarkable comeback, but their hopes were dashed when Tiki Taka struck back in the forty-third minute, scoring two quick goals to extend their lead to 6-3.
The relentless Tiki Taka side added another goal in the forty-fourth minute, and as the match drew to a close, they scored once more in the forty-eighth minute. The final nail in the coffin came in the fifty-second minute, as Tiki Taka rounded off their scoring with a ninth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Despite the heavy defeat, Harrison Hargreaves was recognised for his efforts, emerging as the standout player for Rammy Rhinos. The match highlighted the need for improvement as the Rhinos look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
