Boss hails loyalty of Rams in tough times

Some of the Southern League division one central outfit’s players weren’t paid during that period.

Saunders accepts it hasn’t been easy for all concerned.

He said: ‘Like most clubs at our level, it becomes difficult when you don’t have any home games for a while.

‘You rely on home games to generate some income.

‘We have now caught up with what we have had to do and everything is up to date.

‘I have nothing but praise for the commitment and application shown by the players during this time.

‘I know lots of players who might have jumped ship.

‘But our players have shown a good respect for what we are trying to achieve and there is a great togetherness.

‘This season is a big learning curve for us and we are ready to move forward again.’

A first-half Howard Neighbour strike proved enough to see the Rams to a 1-0 home win over struggling North Greenford United.

On a hard, bobbly pitch, the Rams scored with the only piece of quality by either team in a scrappy encounter.

Joe Richardson and Joe Briggs were the architects of the 14th-minute goal with some clever passing which put Neighbour through.

Neighbour cut inside the final defender and found the net with a left-footed drive.

Andy Todd and Briggs went on to hit the woodwork and the visiting goalkeeper denied the Rams with two close-range saves.

‘We had plenty of possession but there was no end product,’ said Saunders.

‘Again we needed to be more ruthless.

‘The surface wasn’t easy to play on and it is amazing how quickly that changes.

‘Only a week ago we were up to our ankles in mud.’

The win all but assures the Rams’ division one central status for another season.