Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Rams 3 Clitheroe 3

Report by Aaron Benson

The Rams made two changes to the side beaten against Clitheroe in the Integro Cup. Dean Stott and Ben Deegan were replaced in the starting eleven by Lee Gaskell and Jack Higgs.

The home side were looking to get back to winning ways in the league after the 4-0 thumping at Leek Town the previous Saturday. Yet the Rams were behind within seconds after kick off as Clitheroe put the visitors ahead after just two minutes.

Clitheroe striker Max Hazeldine headed home from a near post corner peeling away from the Ramsbottom defenders to give the away side a lightning quick lead, handing The Rams a nightmare start. However the home side responded in spirited fashion and were soon level shortly after. Clitheroe keeper Cameron Terry spilled a cross from the left wing only for Rams midfielder Jamie Rother to fire in from close range. to bring the sides level.

The home side continued to press on and could easily have tuned the tables straight from the kick off. Lee Gaskell won the ball on the press yet his pass to Rother was short and meant Clitheroe could clear their lines as the shot was blocked.

The chances kept coming for Rammy with Nathan Brown winning a penalty on twenty three minutes. His trickery won a twelve yard kick yet striker Gaskell failed to convert from the spot.

Rammy were left to rue their missed chances as they conceded their second goal in the sloppiest of ways. A Lewis Sugden corner ran to an unmarked Jay Jefferies whose shot flew past Sam Ashton in the Rammy goal and gave Clitheroe the lead heading into half time.

HT: Rams 1-2 Clitheroe

It was a case of Deja vu for Ramsbottom as the second period begun. Clitheroe score their third goal less than ten minutes into the second half as Rammy were left with a mountain to climb.

Substitute James Sloane snuck between the Rammy defenders and met a wide ball with pinpoint accuracy to give Clitheroe a commanding 3-1 lead.

However the home side never went away and Jack Higgs could have halved the deficit but could only fire over the bar.

Yet it wasn't long before Higgs got on the scoresheet to get Rammy back in the game. Higgs somehow managed to get the ball over the line as a goalmouth scramble took place in around the six yard area. Thompson should have drew Rammy level when he found himself unmarked in the box, however his shot went flying wide.

But Rammy's never say die spirit drew them level in the eightieth minute. Jerome Wright and Philip Dean combined with great affect on the left to send a ball causing havoc in the goalmouth. Tom Brooks was the eventual benefiter taking a rather 'smash and grab' approach smashing the ball home from close range.

Both teams had chances to win the game with the game on a knife edge. Clitheroe sub Antoine Recizac turned Dean yet his shot was straight at Ashton. At the other end, Lee Gaskell saw two headers come to nothing. In the end, a point apiece was the end result.

Despite more frustration in front go goal, Mark Fell took the positives from a nail-biting draw.

'From being three one down it's probably a point gained. We showed a lot of spirit, the players showed heart and desire to get themselves out of a whole.

'We need to be better in both boxes. We've been working on moving the ball quicker, we got in a couple of times which was great'.

'We still feel like we've been beat, The manner in the goals we conceded from where we are, we wanted to do some damage in the top half, we just couldn't quite do so today'.

FT: Ramsbottom 3-3 Clitheroe

Team: Ashton, Dean, Brooks, Kennedy, Thompson, Downes, Brown, Rother, Gaskell, Higgs (Deegan 79'), Wright

Unused subs: Foulds, Stott, Robertson

Category: Match Reports

REPORT & PHOTOS: Cup Heartbreak for the Rams

Report by Aaron Benson

The Rams made two changes to the side that held Mosley to a weekend draw only three days previous. Luke Jordan and Dean Stott were recalled with Tom Brooks and Nathan Brown missing out on a place in the starting eleven.

On a cold early Autumn night down at the Riverside, Rammy came out fighting starting the game firmly on the front foot. In the opening minute, Jamie Rother hit the post with a stinging shot and shortly after, Jerome Wright had a shot saved when through on goal.

The early exchanges set the tone for the night as Rammy huffed and puffed for an opening goal. However it was Kidsgrove who had the ball in the net in the twenty sixth minute. The Rams defensive line held firm when Anthony Malbon lobbed Sam Ashton in the Rams goal, yet referee Ben Wyatt adjudged the Kidsgrove number ten to be in an offside position.

Yet Rammy didn’t let Kidsgrove growing presence in the game hinder them as they continued to create chances. Ryan Ellison missed the target with a header and a Jack Higgs shot also failed to test the keeper.

HT: Rammy 0-0 Kidsgrove

Ramsbttom again began the second half like they started the first and were rewarded with their efforts when Wright won a penalty under a challenge from Kidsgrove midfielder Rhys Thompson on the hour mark. However Wright failed to convert the penalty and sent his shot wide.

Yet the drama continued to unfold ten minutes later. Thompson again went into a challenge on Rams captain Dean Stott which concluded with the midfielder being given his marching orders and left the visitors a man down.

The home side continued to huff and puff as extra time loomed. Left back Phil Dean sent in several dangerous crosses which with any contact from a Rams player would have put them ahead. Then in injury time substitute Ben Deegan could have won the game, only for his effort to have been charged down by the ever strong Kidsgrove defence and blocked by Kurasik between the sticks.

FT: Rammy 0-0 Kidsgrove

Extra time began with now complete darkness and another wave of Rams attacks. Midfielder Rother saw two chances go amiss and number nine Lee Gaskell’s attempt also failed to burst the net. Despite the missed opportunities, the home side played the ball around with much confidence and posed constant threats from wide areas throughout the game. Full backs Dean and Henry grew into the game and their crosses proved tough to handle for the Kidsgrove back line.

Extra Time HT: Rammy 0-0 Kidsgrove

The final fifteen minutes began with Kidsgrove enjoying their best chances of the replay. Malbon forced Ashton into doubles saves as the Kidsgrove striker proved their greatest threat all game. He could have won it at the death after twisting and turning past several blue shirts however failed to test Ashton this time around and the opportunity came and went.

Between Malbon’s near misses Rammy continued to pose a threat at the other end having arguably the best chance of the game. From a Wright corner, Gaskell failed to make the most of the free space he had and failed to head home from an inviting ball delivered by Rammy’s left winger.

Extra Time FT: Rammy 0-0 Kidsgrove

With no goals in either normal or extra time, the game went to twelve-yard kicks in order to determine a winner.

The visitors took an early advantage leading 2-1 after three penalties. Adam Freeland and Peter Williams scored for the men in lime green yet only Rother could convert for Rammy with Gaskell and Wright both unable to score the first two spot kicks.

The pendulum swung in Rammy’s favour during the fourth wave of kicks as Phil Dean leveled up the scores after Malbon failed to put Kidsgrove 3-1 up.

Rumemio Barai kept his cool to put Kidsgrove 3-2 ahead meaning skipper Dean Stott had to score his penalty to take the shootout to sudden death. Sadly it wasn’t to be for the Rams and Kidsgrove progressed to the next round of the cup on Saturday in a game against Atherton Colliers.

Despite the disappointing defeat, Rams boss Mark Fell remained positive and praised the performance of the team.

“I’m proud of the lads who took the penalties. To be honest I’m proud of the way we played, we continued to do the right things’.

‘We didn’t have the cutting edge, but some nights this happens. We have a free weekend, which we didn’t plan for but we’ll work for Kendal next week. If we create this many chances, we’ve got a great chance to win that game”.

‘Points wise we’re in a good position and squad wise I think we’re in a much better position than we were last season’.

‘The message from me to the players is we go again and stick together as a team. That’s all we can do’.

Ramsbottom starting eleven: Ashton, Dean, Henry, Stott, Thompson, Ellison, Jordan, Rother, Gaskell, Higgs, (Deegan 69’), Wright

Unused subs: Brooks, Hart, Robertson

Photos by Frank Crook







Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Colne 1 Ramsbottom United 0

Evo Stik Premier West Division

Tuesday 21st August 2018

COLNE FC 1 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0

Attendance:- 245

Report by Jon Haslam

Ramsbottom United made the trip up the M65 on Tuesday night to take on local rivals Colne with both teams looking to build on their opening day victories,the visitors starting line up showed two changes from the victory against Market Drayton with Thompson and Marie replacing Henry and Higgs

The contest started in disastrous fashion for the Rams as they fell behind with barely two minutes on the watch when a poor clearance was seized upon by the home attack and Curran got in behind the visitors defence before squaring the ball for Webb- Foster to tap the ball into an empty net to give Colne a lead they ultimately wouldn't surrender.

The hosts encouraged by the early strike continued to have the upper hand in the opening stages as the away side struggled to get a foothold in the encounter against a youthful Colne outfit.

With almost 20 minutes played the Rams fashioned their first sight at goal when Deegan laid the ball off to Rother but the shot from just outside the area sailed over Burton in the Colne goal, Shortly afterwards a positive run and cross from the lively Brown found Deegan at the far post but the strikers tame header was easily dealt with by the home stopper as the visitors looked to restore parity.

As the first period wore on the Rams began to get more into the match whilst being aware that the home side looked a threat on the break with Curran and Lynch looking a particularly threat for the hosts.

Colne almost doubled their advantage just after the half an hour mark when a well directed set piece found the head of ex Ram Marcus Poscha but his unmarked header narrowly missed the target to the relief of the away side, moments later Ashton in the visitors goal was called on to pull off an excellent save at his near post from Curran to keep the home sides lead at one goal as Colne applied pressure to the visitors goal.

The remainder of the opening period was punctuated with a number of free kicks for both sides as Colnes relentless pressing didn't give the Rams attacking players much time on the ball, with that said the visitors finished the half on the front foot with noteworthy attempts from Brown and Marie fractionally missing the target. With the last kick of the half an audacious free kick from Brown from fully 35 yards had Burton scrambling across his goal but as the whistle blew for half time Colne held the advantage.

Both teams appeared for the second half of this local derby unchanged and whilst the opening exchanges failed to provide any notable goal scoring attempts for either side Ramsbottom United managed to pick up five bookings within a 15 minute spell from the 51st minute as a competitive contest threatened to boil over with the official seemingly brandishing yellow cards for any slightly mistimed tackles.

With the hour mark reached the Rams began to get their wide players Jordan and Brown more involved as they looked for an equaliser but the Colne defence was holding firm, at the other end the home side almost doubled their lead when Ashton was forced into a fine save as the visitors struggled to clear a free kick .

As the contest entered the last quarter both sides created presentable chances, firstly the home side made progress down the left wing before a an inviting cross was headed over before a corner at then other end of the field caused alarm in the home defence and with the onrushing Rams players looking for a decisive touch the home defence managed to scramble the ball off the line and the chance had gone.

Manager Mark Fell made a substitution on 71 minutes with Gaskell replacing Marie and in truth the Rams continued to have the better of the possession and continued to push for an equaliser with Deegan flicking a header wide before skipper Stott fizzed a shot from the edge of the penalty area which narrowly missed the target with Burton looking beaten.

Colne continued to repel most of what the Rams attack would throw at them whilst looking to break on the counter attack as they preserved their single goal lead and despite the away sides desperate but ultimately fruitless pursuit of an equaliser the home side survived the remaining ten minutes or so without any major scares and took the 3 points in a hard fought tussle as the Rams slipped to a single goal loss.

As the final whistle blew a depleted Ramsbottom United side had paid the price for conceding an early goal as they fell to a defeat in their first away fixture of the campaign but will be hoping to respond on Saturday as they prepare for their FA Cup tie away at Kidsgrove Athletic.

Ramsbottom United:- Ashton, Ellison, Dean, Stott, Thompson, Downes, Jordan, Rother, Deegan, Marie (Gaskell 71 mins) Brown.

Subs not used- Robertson (GK), Henry, Foulds, Daniels

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Rammy 0 Chester 1

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0 CHESTER FC 1

Attendance - 190

Ramsbottom United welcomed back familiar faces both on and on the field as former managers Bernard and Jonno brought their new club Chester FC to the Riverside for a pre season friendly on Tuesday night.

Both lines up showed a mixture of well known players, new signings and the obligatory trialists as preparations for the new season began in earnest with a hard fought encounter settled by a penalty just after the hour mark in favour of the National League North outfit.

Sadly the contest began in unwelcome fashion for Greg Daniels as the forward limped off before the ten minute mark to be replaced by Lee Gaskell.

The opening exchanges began competitively but goal scoring chances were at a premium as both sides struggled to test the respective goal keepers, although it was substitute Gaskell who had the first effort of note for the hosts but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Chester perhaps had the better of the possession in the first quarter of the game without seriously threatening the Rams goal as the visitors toiled for any rhythm in their attacking forays.

Ramsbottom United began to cause the away sides defence some concerns as Luke Thompson headed wide from a Wright corner before Wright threatened from the left wing but his shot narrowly missed the target.

With the interval approaching the Rams trialist keeper was called into action to make a smart save from Smalley, there was still time remaining for a Chester striker to be put through one on one but his toe poke struck the frame of the goal as the half finished goal less.

The second period began with the home side on the front foot as Jerome Wright again burst through into the penalty area after good work down the left touchline but his low shot was repelled by ex Rams favourite Grant Shenton.

As is often the case with early pre-season matches the match real fluency although it could be argued that the main thing on such occasions is to avoid serious injuries and get minutes on the pitch as the build up to the seasons opener is the main objective.

With the inevitable flurry of substitutions occurring and the clock ticking just beyond the hour mark Chester would make the breakthrough when former Ram Gary Stopforth was adjudged to have been tripped by Henry and the referee pointed to the penalty spot where Pritchard made no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way with a calm left footed strike and the visitors had the lead.

The goal appeared to give Chester some confidence in the final third as substitute Mahon stung the palms of the Rams stopper before Hughes fired wide as the visitors looked to increase their advantage.

With 20 minutes remaining the referee awarded Chester a second spot kick when Dean bundled over Hughes in the area, again it was Pritchard who stepped up but this time it was a different outcome as the penalty flew over the cross bar and into the trees behind the goal.

As the match drew towards its conclusion home forward Marie fired in a low shot which was comfortably saved by the Chester keeper as numerous substitutions punctuated the remaining quarter of an hour, the contest ended with the visitors pushing unsuccessfully for a second goal but still remaining narrow winners by a single goal.

The Rams put in a promising performance considering it was the squads first 90 minutes together and should take some positives from the evening as both sets of players look forward to their respective seasons beginning in the coming weeks.

Ramsbottom United:- Trialist, Henry, Dean, Trialist, Thompson , Ellison, Jordan, Trialist, Marie, Daniels, Wright.

Subs- Stinca (GK), Foulds, Brooks, Rother, Trialist, Standring, Gaskell
Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Rams 1 Clitheroe 1 (6-7 pens)

Integro League Cup 1st Round

Wednesday 19th September 2018

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 1 CLITHEROE 1 (6-7 pens)

Attendance:-114

Report by Jon Haslam

Ramsbottom United entertained Clitheroe at the Riverside on a blustery Wednesday evening in the Integro League Cup for the first of two meetings within the space of four days.

The home side made a number of changes in both personnel and positionally from the weekend defeat to Leek but it was the visitors who started the brightest with a couple of long range attempts that flew high over Sam Ashtons goal in the opening minutes of the contest.

The Rams fashioned their first goal scoring opportunity with just over ten minutes played when an excellent through ball from Deegan found Phil Dean in the right hand channel but the wide mans shot failed to extend Terry in the visitors goal.

Clitheroe responded and almost broke the deadlock when a mix up in the home defence gave Cannon-Noren a glimpse of goal but young defender Alex Downes on loan from Chester made a vital clearance off the line in his first start since the second game of the season.

As the half progressed both goalkeepers were largely untroubled with a number of long range efforts failing to find their intended target as perhaps the breezy conditions affected the players goal scoring radar.

With half time approaching and the match goalless Clitheroe should maybe have taken the lead as Bianga and the dangerous Cannon-Noren linked up neatly before the latter shot wide of the target when well placed as the hosts escaped an incisive breakaway.

As the first half finished scoreless the home supporters were hoping that the second period would provide more of a goal scoring threat but it was the visitors who looked the more likely side to open their account minutes after the restart when Sloane found himself one on one with Sam Ashton but the Rams stopper pulled off a fine save to deny Clitheroe the lead.

Ramsbottom United then responded with a strike of their own when good link up play on the left hand edge of the penalty area gave Jerome Wright a sight of goal but the effort was repelled by Terry.

Unfortunately the Rams fell behind in peculiar circumstances when an attack down the right wing gave substitute Recizak the opportunity to cross to an unmarked Cannon- Noren in the centre of goal who proceeded to trip over the ball which wrongfooted Ashton and somehow the ball found its way into the net to give the visitors the lead just before the hour point of the encounter.

Shortly after the opener the Rams made two substitutions with new recruit Tom Eckersley replacing skipper Stott and Gaskell joining the action at the expense of Ben Deegan.

Clitheroe looked to clinch the tie with a second goal with Ashton again forced into action pulling off a fine save to deny the away side after an incisive break down the Rams left hand side.

The hosts were looking for a leveller with Higgs taking the place of the hardworking Jamie Rother with just over a quarter of an hour remaining and as the Rams pushed forward there was a risk that the visitors would exploit the extra space.

With the game entering the final ten minutes an ever increasingly desperate Ramsbottom United created a number of opportunities to equalise with Brooks, Higgs, Wright and Gaskell all shooting at goal without success.

As the contest ticked into injury time and with two of the five minutes indicated already played the Rams won a free kick almost in front of the home dugout, Jack Higgs swung his left foot to send the ball towards the Clitheroe penalty area and with a touch of assistance from the wind the ball sailed over the head of Terry and dropped into the back of the net to level matters and the substitute had made a positive impact. There was still time remaining for the away side to fashion another presentable chance moments after the equaliser when another penetrating break again brought the best of Ashton as he produced an excellent double save to keep the score at one goal each and with no extra time the tie would be decided by a contest from 12 yards.

Clitheroe took an early advantage as they scored with their first kick but then Jack Higgs had his effort saved by Terry, the next three spot kicks for each side were converted with Wright, Brown and Dean confidently registering for the hosts before Clitheroe’s substitute Onorou had the chance to win the match but Ashton responded to keep the contest in the balance. With nine penalties taken it was down to Lee Gaskell to take the spot kick competition into sudden death and he duly obliged by sending his kick high into the net and score read 4-4 after five penalties from each team.

With the result still in the balance Clitheroe scored their next two spot kicks with the Rams responding with Kennedy and keeper Ashton converting to level the score at six each, Snowden then smashed in his attempt leaving popular defender Luke Thompson to take the next penalty for the home side, unfortunately the effort flew over the crossbar and the away side progressed to the next stage of the competition by a score line of 7-6.

Whilst the Rams are currently unbeaten at home in 90 minutes this season this defeat was sadly the second penalty loss in cup competitions this term after the recent FA Cup elimination by Kidsgrove and bringing an end to the clubs involvement in the Integro trophy for this season.

Ramsbottom United get an early chance to exact some retribution on Clitheroe as the two sides reconvene on Saturday afternoon as league points are at stake in what should be a keenly contested match.

Ramsbottom United:- Ashton, Stott (Eckersley 62 mins), Kennedy, Brooks, Thompson, Downes, Dean, Rother (Higgs 76 mins), Deegan (Gaskell 64 mins), Brown, Wright.

Subs not used- Robertson (GK)

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Mossley 1 Rams 1

Evo Stik Premier West Division

Saturday 1st September 2018

MOSSLEY FC 1 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 1

Attendance:- 333

Report by Jon Haslam

Ramsbottom United made the trip to the foothills of the Pennines on Saturday afternoon to take on a Mossley side that had gained maximum points from their opening three league matches of the season.

The Rams starting line up was unchanged from their previous outing at Atherton on Bank Holiday Monday with skipper for the day Phil Dean proudly wearing the captains armband on his 300th appearance for Ramsbottom United.

It was indeed the visitors that fashioned the first goal scoring chance of the match with barely 3 minutes on the clock when a superb threaded pass from Higgs sent Jerome Wright through in the left hand channel but his low shot was blocked by home keeper Diba.

The early stages of the contest were fairly even with Mossley looking to put pressure on the away sides defence with their direct approach, it appeared from quite early on in the match that the home side would look to get the ball into the Rams penalty box as often as possible with long throws a weapon that would certainly not be under utilised by the home side.

With around a quarter of an hour played both teams exchanged attempts at goal with Brooks testing home stopper Diba with a low drive before a Mossley head flicked a long throw goal wards but Ashton was well positioned collect the ball.

The contest exploded into life with around the 20 minute mark when Mossley full back Downey and Ramsbottom United central defender Luke Thompson competed strongly for a loose ball in what looked a 50:50 challenge but referee Mr Ball decided that the Mossley player had fouled his Rams counterpart and issued Downey a red card much to the disbelief of all connected with the hosts.

With a man extra for the remaining 70 minutes of the match hopes were high amongst the travelling Rams that their favourites would make the most of their numerical advantage, minutes later the visitors almost took the lead when a stunning left footed shot from Wright beat Diba but hit the inside of the post before being scrambled to safety.

The remainder of the first half was played out with neither goalkeeper being seriously tested although it was clear Mossley were feeling very aggrieved at the sending off of Downey and would look to utilise their feeling of injustice to spur them on in the second half.

No sooner had the contest restarted than Mossley broke the deadlock when a right sided corner from former Ram Ben Richardson found Jones six yards from goal and the towering defenders downward header beat Ashton to give the ten men a lead to protect.

The early goal appeared to stun Ramsbottom United and the home side had an opportunity to double their lead when another corner caused consternation in the visitors rearguard as another header fizzed wide of Ashton post.

Manager Mark Fell responded with a change from the bench giving ex Bury and Rochdale player Tom Kennedy his competitive Rams debut in place of the ever industrious Jamie Rother as the away side chased an equaliser.

With just over an hour of the contest played the Rams would find a leveller when a shot from distance from Tom Brooks was blocked on route towards goal before falling kindly to Lee Gaskell whose low right footed drive beat the diving Diba to find the bottom corner of the net to give the striker his first goal of the season.

It was hoped that the equaliser would provide the Rams with the momentum to go and find a winning goal as Luke Jordan was introduced in place of Brown mid way through the second period.

As the minutes ticked by it was apparent that ten man Mossley were more than happy to settle for a point as they perhaps understandably attempted to slow play down whenever possible to deny the Rams any opportunity to gain any attacking impetus. With that said, the home outfit still looked to threaten the visitors goal from set pieced and long throws but the visitors defence protected Ashton

Although the away side had the majority of possession for the final quarter of an hour and despite the clever promptings from Kennedy clear chances were limited with Jordan sending a shot wide and man of the moment Dean going down in the penalty area but the referee waived away the muted shouts for a spot kick.

The final chance of a tempestuous encounter fell to the away side as with the five minutes of injury time almost up Jack Higgs sent a free kick wide of the target from around 25 yards out, shortly afterwards the referee brought an end to proceedings and both sides settled for a point apiece. Overall it would be difficult to suggest that either side did enough to take all 3 points in a hard fought contest between two sides hoping to improve on last seasons showing.

It should be noted that the Rams have garnered 4 points from their opening three away fixtures to date this season and it took until November 18th to get to that total in away matches in the previous campaign.

With Ramsbottom United finishing off a run of four consecutive away fixtures in less than two weeks the team have collected seven points from their opening four league matches and sit in eight position in the fledgling league table whilst having an FA Cup replay against Kidsgrove Athletic to look forward to on Tuesday night.

Ramsbottom United:- Ashton, Dean, Henry, Brooks (Stott 79 mins), Thompson, Ellison, Brown (Jordan 66 mins), Rother (Kennedy 56 mins), Gaskell, Higgs, Wright.

Subs not used- Downes, Deegan

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Pontefract Colls 7 Rammy 1

Pre Season Friendly

Saturday 4th August 2018

PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES 7 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 1

Report by Jon Haslam

Ramsbottom United suffered a heavy defeat in their penultimate pre season game on Saturday afternoon at the hands of Pontefract Collieries who have just been promoted to the Evo Stik Northern Premier League East Division.

The Rams got off to the worst possible start and fell behind with barely two minutes on the clock when a defensive mix up gave the unmarked Daly a simple tap in at the far post.

Pontefract would double their advantage before the ten minute mark when a free kick was played in the Rams penalty area before finding the head of Picton whose downward header beat Ashtons dive as the home sides early pressure was turned into a deserved early two goal lead.

The visitors were struggling for any real fluency as they attempted to recover from the early double strike but then out of nowhere a ball over top of the home defence found the pacey Marie who broke the offside trap and confidently lofted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to half the arrears and register his third goal in his last three matches.

With the Rams looking to gain some confidence their plans where disrupted somewhat on 25 minutes when Luke Thompson had to limp out of the action to be replaced by Jamie Rother resulting in captain Dean Stott dropping back to a central defensive berth.

The game continued to be an open affair with the home side looking the more threatening, indeed Sam Ashton was forced to make a fine low save with around ten minutes remaining in the first half.

The Rams best attacking moments involved Luke Jordan whose pace was proving a useful outlet for the Rams although the home keeper wasn't really asked any serious questions with both Marie and the angular trialist (number 10) not having too many clear sights of goal.

Sadly the next goal of an open contest would go to the home side five minutes before the interval when an incisive through ball found the impressive Hey who coolly slotted the ball past Ashton to restore the hosts two goal advantage at the half way point.

As the contest resumed and with a certain amount of symmetry the Rams contrived to present the home side with a fourth goal five minutes after the break when a sliced clearance from Ashton was pounced on by the hosts and after a neat interchange Redford made the visitors pay for their mistake as he converted with a low drive which found the corner of the net.

Ramsbottom United flickered into life briefly with Jordan again stretching the home defence before arguably the best piece of play from the visitors resulted in a superb cross from Wright which found Marie who was denied from close range before the Rams trialist forward couldn't smuggle the ball over the line when a goal seemed inevitable.

As the second period reached the half way point Pontefract increased their advantage further when Hey again controlled the ball well before firing a shot past Ashton for this second goal of the game with the Rams defence looking in disarray.

As the game continued towards the final quarter of an hour both sides made a number of substitutions which seemed to benefit Pontefract more than the day trippers from Lancashire.

Unfortunately the punishment wasn't finished there for the visitors as a long through ball again caught out the Rams backline and Redford lobbed the ball over the onrushing and worryingly vulnerable Ashton to make the score 6-1 to the hosts with just over five minutes remaining.

With almost the last kick of the match Pontefract added a seventh when Knights low drive beat Ashton, shortly afterwards the referee thankfully blew his final whistle to put an end to a chastening defeat for Ramsbottom United.

As the Rams made their way home over the Pennines contemplating a miserable trip to Yorkshire even the most ardent Ramsbottom United supporter would find it difficult to find any positives from a performance that will be a cause for concern with the league campaign only two weeks away.

Ramsbottom United:- Ashton, Trialist (Trialist 46 mins) Henry,Stott, Thompson (Rother 25 mins), Ellison, Jordan, Higgs (Brooks 64 mins), Marie (Gaskell 79 mins) , Trialist (Trialist 79 mins) Wright.

Match action photos will be available shortly!

Category: Match Reports

Last day win lifts mid-table spirits

Ramsbottom United completed their league campaign on Saturday afternoon with a short trip to Glossop  showing just one alteration to the team that narrowly lost at Atherton less than 48 hours earlier with Phil Dean returning in place of Regan Jarrett.

Read more
Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Leek Town 4 Rams 0

Evo-Stik League West Division

Saturday 15th September 2018

LEEK TOWN 4 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0

Attendance:-257

Report by Jon Haslam

Ramsbottom United made the journey to the County of Staffordshire on Saturday afternoon to take on Leek Town at the very impressive Harrison Park with both sides positioned in the top ten of the early league standings prior to kick off.

The visitors showed a single alteration from the midweek victory over Kendal with Jack Higgs replacing Jamie Rother in the Rams starting eleven.

It was the home outfit that began the contest in the ascendancy and with just over a minute on the clock Leek fired a fierce shot into the side netting which was an early example of what the away side would face throughout a chastening afternoon for Mark Fell's charges.

Whilst the early exchanges were fairly even, it would be the Rams that fashioned the best chance of the opening quarter of an hour when a fine run and cross down the left by the raiding Dean found the head of Gaskell but the strikers header was repelled by home keeper Chapman.

As so happens in football when one side misses a presentable goal scoring opportunity the other team goes up the other end and take their chance, if a further example was needed Leek provided it and opened the scoring on 16 minutes when a long ball caught the Ramsbottom defence appealing in vain for offside leaving Stevenson one on one with Sam Ashton before lifting the ball over the advancing keeper to give the hosts a lead they wouldn't ultimately surrender.

Sadly the hosts would double their advantage only two minutes after breaking the deadlock when Trickett Smith picked the ball up in the left channel some 30 yards away from goal before setting off on a mazy run evading some flimsy challenges before calming finishing through Ashton's legs from just inside the penalty area to give Leek a healthy advantage with less than 20 minutes played.

As the half progressed the Rams struggles continued as they found it difficult to put together any real cohesive passing going forward whilst looking unusually hesitant in defence with the home side looking the much more confidence team after their positive start to the match.

Ramsbottom United flickered into life just after the first third of the encounter when Nathan Brown fired in a shot from the edge of the penalty area after a long throw had been cleared to the Chester loanee but again Chapman pulled off a spectacular save to tip the effort over the crossbar.

As the interval loomed both sides would exchange attempts at goal with Leeks forward line firing a couple of efforts narrowly wide of Ashtons upright whilst Brown fired narrowly over the angle of post and bar as the visitors looked to try and reduce the arrears before the half way point did arrive with the hosts enjoying a deserved two goal advantage.

The second period began in similar fashion to how the first half ended with the lively Brown again firing an effort at goal but only finding the side netting before Leek played some incisive football down their left hand channel resulting in an effort from the edge of the penalty area which sailed narrowly over the crossbar signalling the hosts intention to increase their goals tally for the afternoon.

Ramsbottom United generated perhaps their most concerted amount of pressure on the home goal when a flurry of corners were tantalisingly delivered from Higgs but no visiting player could take advantage of five consecutive set pieces.

With almost an hour showing on the clock the Rams made a double substitution with Higgs and Stott making way for Rother and Brooks as the away side looked to try and wrestle some possession back from an increasingly confident looking Leek side.

Only minutes after the changes had been made the hosts increased their lead further and effectively but the result beyond doubt when a long ball was misjudged by the Rams defence leaving Johnson with a simple task of looping a header over the onrushing Ashton to give Leek an unassailable lead.

With the match meandering to a undeniable conclusion and Leek looking in control, a change of formation from the Rams for the remaining quarter of the game failed to pay dividends and in fact things got worse on 75 minutes when Stevenson was upended in the penalty area by Henry leaving Chadwick to tuck away the spot kick to complete the scoring on a miserable afternoon for all concerned with Ramsbottom United.

The remaining ten minutes of the contest generated a couple of goal scoring attempts for the Rams with Brooks bringing another flying save from Chapman in the home goal before a deflected effort from the edge of the penalty area found the head of Gaskell but the strikers effort lacked the necessary power to find the back of the net.

With the three minutes of injury time played the referee brought and end to a contest best forgotten from a Ramsbottom United perspective whilst acknowledging that the clinical home side fully deserved their victory. Thoughts now will turn to the midweek visit of Clitheroe in the Integro Trophy where the Rams will be hoping to respond with an improved performance whilst showing that their humbling in Staffordshire was no more than a bad day at the office.

Ramsbottom United:- Ashton, Dean, Henry, Stott (Rother 59 mins), Thompson (Downes 70 mins), Ellison, Brown, Kennedy, Gaskell, Higgs (Brooks 59 mins), Wright.

Subs not used- Robertson (GK)

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Atherton Collieries 1-3 Ramsbottom United

Report by Aaron Benson

Rams make most of ground swap as they take all three points on the road.

The Rams made three changes to the side that held Kidsgrove in the FA Cup last Saturday. Nathan Brown, Lee Gaskell and Jack Higgs came into the side replacing Alex Downes, Luke Jordan and the injured Dean Stott.

The Rams showed why life on the road has been tough in recent months as Atherton immediately had Rammy on the back foot.

The forward line for Atherton consisting of Ben Hardcastle, Adam Farrell and Connor Gaul gave Mark Fell’s side a few scares early on creating some dangerous chances that threatened Sam Ashton in the Rammy goal. The home side looked particularly dangerous early on, however failed to work the Rammy keeper properly into a save.

Right back Dave Sherlock was the leading problem for as Rammy as Atherton pressed for an opener, his overlapping runs and crosses lead to Farrell’s header over the bar whilst Hardcastle dictated play from the midfield with great affect.

It wasn’t till the 20th minute that the Rams had a shot on goal. A Lee Gaskell free kick flew straight into Atherton keeper Jack Cookson’s arms.

However it wasn’t long till the Rams had something to celebrate. Jack Higgs made the most of his return to the side, firing home from close range after a well-taken free kick from Jerome Wright landed at the feet of Higgs who put Rammy a goal ahead.

It took just five minutes more for Fell’s men to double their lead. Luke Thompson was brought down in the box giving Wright the opportunity to double the away sides lead from the spot. The penalty was one of perfection, chipped over Atherton keeper Jack Cookson as the Rams went into half time with what seemed a comfortable lead.

Half Time: Atherton Collieries 0-2 Ramsbottom United

The home side came straight out of the blocks in the second period, within minutes halving Rammy’s lead. From a free kick, Danny Lafferty hit the post before Hardcastle turned in the re-bound, reacting quicker than any Rammy player to the ball smashing home, opening up the possibility of a dramatic second half comeback.

The Rams survived the second half pressure that Atherton provided, the solid back four of Henry, Dean, Ellison and Thompson holding out superbly as Atherton gained momentum from the early second half goal.

However it was Ramsbottom who scored the winning goal in the most bizzare of ways. Winger Nathan Brown’s free kick flew past everyone before beating Cookson in the Atherton goal. Only the tricky winger could tell us whether it was a cross or a shot, however sent the Rams on their way to a much-valued three points.

The home side threw caution to the wind in the final stages. Vincent Bailey’s shot was well saved by Ashton whilst at the other end Rammy sub Ben Deegan could have rubbed salt into Atherton’s wounds but could only fire over the bar.

Rammy held out for a well earned three points. Boss Mark Fell was particularly pleased. ‘You want to get off to a flying start, I though the lads were excellent, we had enough quality in the team to create those opportunities.

‘From my perspective we were resililant when we needed to be but we still had the quality to score the goals and see the game out’.

FT: Atherton Collieries 1-3 Ramsbottom United

Teams: Ramsbottom United- Ashton, Dean, Henry, Thompson, Ellison, Brooks (Downes 87'), Brown, Rother, Gaskell (Deegan 73'), Higgs (Jordan 65'), Wright

Unused subs: Hart, Robertson

Attendance - 288

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Rammy 3 Fleetwood Town XI 2

Rammy Victorious Against Brave Young Cod Army

Ramsbottom United 3 – 2 Fleetwood Town XI

Tuesday 24th July 2018

Report by Chris Stringer

On a fine Lancashire evening it was The Rams that came out victorious against a young Fleetwood XI side. It was the home side that started most lively and, in the first minute, trialist (no. 8) went close from the edge of the area; his shot fizzed past the left-hand post.

The first 10 minutes of the game were characterised by a strong midfield battle. Rammy’s strength was matched by the slick pace of the Cod Army. Indeed, it was the visitors who looked most likely to make something happen. Ramsbottom came under the cosh on several occasions but the defence held out well – Ellison looked confident at the back and kept the back line of 4 well organised.

The Fleetwood right back, Harrison Holgate, was causing a lot of trouble, with Ramsbottom trialist (no. 3) appearing to struggle at times to deal with his pace. This was particularly evident in the 27th minute when he found Metete in the middle of the box. The midfielder failed to make a solid contact and Sam Ashton easily collected the ball. Holgate looked to be the real creator on the right wing and it was to Ashton’s relief that Ellison and Thompson were communicating well and alert – Fleetwood’s strikers were given very little time on the ball.

Rammy may have been back in the dressing room a few minutes too early when Fleetwood took the lead on the brink of half time. The defence failed to adequately clear danger following an attack from the visitors and the ball fell to Ged Garner who hit a venomous shot from 30 yards out. Ashton did manage a hand to the ball, but it would have taken an exceptional goalkeeper to keep that one out. The visitors walked in ahead at half time and looked good value for their lead.

HALF TIME: Ramsbottom United 0 – 1 Fleetwood Town (Garner 41’)

Fleetwood started the second half with an air of confidence about them and looked to be knocking the ball about nicely. It was clear, however, that The Rams had been fired up at half time. The first real chance of the half fell to Phil Dean who hit a strong shot towards the bottom left corner; the Fleetwood goalkeeper (Trialist no. 1) got in the way of the ball but unconvincingly parried the ball in front of him. A nervy mishap from the visitors who were fortunate that the home side were slow to react.

As the half progressed, Ramsbottom took a grip of the game and started to pull together some nice moves. Dom Marie and Trialist (no. 8) looked to be a real threat to the visitors’ defence. In the 63rd minute The Rams had their best chance of the game when a corner from the left went into the 6-yard area and the resulting scramble saw the ball cleared off the line.

The home side were finally rewarded for their hard work in the 70th minute when Trialist (no. 8) capitalised on a defensive mishap to smash the ball into the bottom corner to level the scores. This followed some good pressing from Marie, whose mazy runs were causing Fleetwood a lot of trouble.

Just 5 minutes later, Rammy almost took the lead thanks to another mazy run by Marie who beat several players and slotted the ball under the goalkeeper. The striker was unlucky to see his attempt hit the upright.

Fleetwood had looked the fitter side through most of the game, but as the game came into its final 10 minutes it was the home side who had the momentum with them. The strength and determination of The Rams was admirable, and they were finally rewarded for their excellent second half performance in the 86th minute when the ball was played over the top to Marie who shrugged off his defenders and he calmly slotted the ball under the goalkeeper. 2 -1.

Just 4 minutes later, Ellison doubled the home sides lead when Harry Foulds curled a well-placed freekick into the penalty area. The defender caught the inexperienced visitors ball watching to nod home. With the final kick of the game, Sam O’Halleron hit a fine strike from 25 yards into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. This proved to be little more than a consolation for the visitors, as Rammy left the field with their first victory of the preseason.

FULL TIME: Ramsbottom United (Trialist (no. 8) 70’, Marie 86’, Ellison 90’) 3 – 2 Fleetwood Town (Garner 41’, O’Halleron 90’)

Ramsbottom United: 1. Sam Ashton, 2. Trialist (Henry 45’), 3. Trialist, 4. Trialist Brookes 45’), 5. Luke Thompson, 6. Ryan Ellison, 7. Luke Jordan, 8. Trialist (Foulds 88’), 9. Trialist (replaced by Marie 45’), 10. Jerome Wright (Trialist (no.16) 88’), 11. Phil Dean.

Subs: 12. Tom Brookes (45’), 14. Harry Foulds (88’), 15. Rob Henry (45’), 16. Trialist (88’), 17. Dom Marie (45’)

Fleetwood Town XI: 1. Trialist (Clayton 56’), 2. Harrison Holgate, 3. Ryan Rydel, 4. Dylan Boyle (Goldsborough 82’), 5. James Hill (Steer 78’), 6. Lewis Baines, 7. Carl Johnstone, 8. Jay Metete, 9. Kian Makepiece, 10. Ged Gardner, 11. Shayden Morris (Mashigo 64’)

Subs: 12. Jamie Cook, 13. Alex Clayton (46’), 14. Katalego Mashigo (64’), 15. Sam O’Halleron , 16. Liam Goldsborough (82’), 17. Kai Steer (78’)

Category: Match Reports

Rams fail to cling on at Colls

Ramsbottom United played their penultimate league fixture of the season on Thursday night as they made the trip to League Cup finalists Atherton Collieries.

Read more
Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Rams 1-0 Kendal

Report by Adam Clark

The Rams make three changes from the team that played Kidsgrove in the FA Cup last week. Tom Kennedy comes in for his first start. Nathan Brown is also into the team. Luke Jordan who left the club for Chester & Jack Higgs who drops to the bench are the men that drop out.

The action started for the visitors in the opening three minutes when Mark Buchan shot came off the bar to be claimed by Sam Ashton

Jamie Rother had the best chance of the half for the Rams just after the fifteen minute mark when he blasted over from close range

Kendal’s best chance of the first half came on 26 minutes when Scott Harries cross flashed across goal, no Kendal player could get on the end of the cross

Rammy had the ball in the back of the net on 37 minutes but it was chalked off after one of the Kendal defenders were fouled from a Rammy corner

HALF TIME Rams 0-0 Kendal

Once again, Kendal had the first chance of the half within the first five minutes – Grundy shot was deined by the ex Kendal loanee Sam Ashton.

Nine minutes into the second half, Nathan Brown was down in the box the referee Conor Brown didn’t point to the spot, the Rammy fans behind the goal didn’t agree with the referee’s decision

Three minutes later, Jerome Wright had the best chance of the half so far when is close range shot was blocked by the keeper.

Nathan Brown wanted to try his luck from 20 yards with 20 minutes to go but his shot flashed wide of the goal.

As the game headed towards added time, it was looking like it was going to be a 0-0 draw until Kendal defender Ben Thomas made poor attempt to clear. The ball was deflected off the Kendal defender for a corner.

Jerome Wright took the corner and crossed into the box for Ryan Ellison who was there to strike home from around 10 yards out into the top right hand corner.

FULL TIME Rams 1-0 Kendal

Ramsbottom United (4-5-1): Ashton; Dean, Thompson, Ellison, Henry; Brown (Downes 90+2’), Stott (Higgs 59’), Kennedy, Rother (Jarrett 74’), Wright; Gaskell. Unused subs: Hart & Robertson (GK)

Kendal (4-4-2): Dixon; Davis, McDonald, Clark, Thomas; McGahon, Grundy, Staunton-Turner (Penswick 84’), Clarke; Harries, Buchan (Gardner 70’). Unused sub: Fleming

Referee: Conor Brown

Attendance: 154

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Kidsgrove 1 Ramsbottom United 1

Mark Fell made 3 changes to the team that played against Colne on Tuesday. Nathan Brown & Alex Downes missed out as they are cup tied and Dominic Marie dropped to the bench. Tom Brooks, Jerome Wright and Rob Henry returned to the side.

Kidsgrove could have had their first chance in the opening five minutes but Jordan Cole fouled Rammy’s no 6 Ryan Ellison.

Kidsgrove’s best chance so far came on eight minutes when Alex Lingard ran down the left hand side and fired his shot across goal.

Phil Dean tried his luck with a long range effort, 25 minutes into the game but it went well wide.

Kidsgrove took the lead on 31 minutes when there skipper Ant Malbon scored from just outside of the 6 yard box with a left footed shot into the back of the net. Kidsgrove 1 Rammy 0

Not many chances graced the last 15 minutes of the 1st half apart from a Luke Jordan header on 43 minutes which was claimed by the goalkeeper

The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half started like the first half ended for the Rams, until Luke Thompson’s header was cleared away by the Kidsgrove defence.

Jerome Wright crossed for Luke Jordan, seven minutes later but it was intercepted by the Kidsgrove keeper.

Three minutes later, Kidsgrove’s Lewis Bergin goes down with a serious knee injury he was stretchered off. Oliver Jepson came on in his place – we wish Lewis all the best.

On 73 minutes, Sam Ashton made a great save to deny Alex Lingard could have easily been 2-0 to Kidsgrove.

Eleven minutes from time, Jerome Wright was fouled in the box by Rhys Thompson. Jerome stepped up and converted from 12 yards. Kidsgrove 1 Rammy 1

Rammy & Kidsgrove had chances into the final 5 minutes of normal time but none of them were converted.

With two minutes to go, Rammy skipper Dean Stott hit the advertising boards on the side of the pitch after colliding with Kidsgrove’s Rhys Thompson, he had to be stretchered off and has been treated by the local ambulance service – we will keep you up to date with Dean’s condition in the coming days.

The referee played eight added minutes but neither side could convert a chance. So the two teams will go again, a week on Tuesday (4th September) at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

FULL TIME: KIDSGROVE 1 RAMS 1

Teams

Ramsbottom United – Ashton, Henry, Dean, Stott, Thompson, Ellison, Jordan, Brooks, Deegan, Rother, Wright

Subs – Gaskell, Higgs, Robertson, Marie

Subs made –

Brooks off. Gaskell on – 78 mins

Rother off. Higgs on – 80 mins

Stott off. Marie on – 89 mins

Category: Match Reports

REPORT: Rammy 0 Blackburn 3

ROVERS MADE TO WORK HARD FOR VICTORY AGAINST DISCIPLINED RAMSBOTTOM

Ramsbottom United V Blackburn U23s

Saturday 21st July 2018

Pre-Season Friendly

Report by Damien Barlow

Plans and preperations continue for the Ramsbottom heirachy ahead of the new season as Blackburn U23s visit the Riverside as latest opponents in the pre season programme. The rams faithfull will be hoping for a strong performance from the home side, and to take some optimism and positives into the remainder of the warm up games.

The weather at kick off was overcast, with the tempreture a comfortable 19 degrees, which hopefuly lends itself to an energetic performance from both sides.

The line-ups show 3 trialists starting for Ramsbottom, with 3 making up more than half the 5 man bench. The most notable name in Blackburns team is right back Paul Caddis, who has over 280 league appearences to his name.

Line ups in full are as follows:-

Ramsbottom United Ashton, Henry, Dean, Brooks, Thompson, Trialist, Jordan, Trialist, Marie, Trialist, Wright. Subs Trialist, Trialist, Ellison, Trialist, Foulds.

Blackburn U23s Fisher, Caddis, Thompson, Tomlinson, Carter, Platt, Mols, Hardcastle, Mansell, Buckley, Paton. Subs Maglore, Albinson, Doyle, Evans, Simmonds, Butterworth, Grayson.

It is the home side that got the game started, with both teams keen to press and not allow time on the ball. The first corner of the game was awarded to Blackburn, which was dealt with from the defence and lines were cleared and the game settled down with Blackburn finding possession more easy to come accross, however a long clearence from the Rammy back line fell kindly to Luke Jordan out on the right touchline who advanced up the pitch threatening the final 3rd but was unlucky not to escape his man who had made up his ground and dispossessed the wide man, and had to settle for a throw in.

As the game approached the 20 minute mark, Blackburn were now dominating the ball, and territory, although this was all being done infront of the back 4 of Ramsbottom, with Sam Ashton only being called in action for menial tasks.

A free kick for the away side just before the half hour presented an opportunity to get the ball into the danger area. The Blackburn taker was faced with a 1 man wall of Jerome Wright. A good delivery was whipped in towards the 6 yard box and a free header for Lewis Mansell lacked power and direction to trouble the Rammy stopper and bounced clear of the back post. As the away side continued to turn the screw, a good interchange of passes down their left side resulted in a cross being delivered from the touchline, once again Ramsbottom held firm and cleared for a throw in. From the resulting throw, LB Lewis Thompson tried an ambitous effort from 20yards looking for the top corner, but only succeeeded in findng the stand behind the goal.

Just after the half hour, the breakthrough finally came for Blackburn. An initial chance had been wasted and turned away for a corner, which was taken quickly and as Ramsbottom were still organising themselves, the ball was worked away from Ashton who had tried to foil the quick thinking from Rovers and was left to Willem Tomlinson to calmy roll the ball into the back of the Ramsbottom goal. Ramsbottom 0 Rovers 1

The Blackburn goal seem to work in the home sides favour, as they started to enjoy their best period of possession, and created a couple of half chances on the final 3rd, the best one after some good play down the left, with a deep cross swung in asking the Rovers defence questions, was met firmly by the days number 10, unfortunatey as earlier in the game for Blackburn, the end product was headed wide of the back post. Just before the break Blackburn almost had a fortunate 2nd, as Sam Ashton's attempted clearence clattered off the on-rushing striker but bounced clear of the goal. A 2 goal deficit at the half way point would have been very harsh on the home side, who had battled well and looked compact and disciplined. Blackburn just about deserve to be ahead at the whistle, but plenty of positives for Mark and Graham.

HT Rammy 0 Rovers 1

The second half started with a change in goal for Ramsbottom. Sam Ashton now taking up his place in the dug out and a trialist keeper taking the gloves. Things started in the same veign after the break as the first 45 had began, with Blackburn enjoying the lions share of the ball and forcing 2 or 3 corners, again taken short, but this time dealt with better, and all came to nothing for the visitors. On 50 minutes a cheap free kick was awarded to Rovers, as the referees assistant seemed to be swayed by the pantomime yelp from Stefan Mols, and more than 1 on the Rammy payroll let their feelings known. The resulting kick was dealt with without any drama and eased any further feelings of injustice.

A sub for the home team, saw a straight swap of trilaists and a change in partner for Dom Marie. As the hour mark came and went, Blackburn continued to search in veign for their 2nd goal, which would put clear daylight between the two sides, were guilty of squandering another good chance, after good approach play an eratic effort from Mansell sent the ball clearing the stand. A good interception from Ramsbottom number 6 for the day, freed up space infront of him to run into, and didnt need asking twice and progressed over half way and released a ball down the left for Wright to latch onto who sent the ball towards the penalty spot but was cleared by the Rovers defence.

The Rammy bench now indicated to Dom Marie that his shift was over, and the third trialist who started on the bench for the home side, was now gracing the playing surface.

Midway through the 2nd half and Rovers had their lead doubled, as Lewis Hardcastle found a yard of space just outside the area, took 1 touch to get the ball out of his feet and unleashed a low shot into the corner of the goal leaving the keeper with little or no chance of keeping his clean sheet in tact. Ramsbottom 0 Rovers 2

The home side wont get a better chance to score in the game without doing so. The ever industrious Tom Brooks hurried the centre back into relinquishing possession who picked out one of the days trialists who seemed to want too much time to pick his spot, giving the keeper time to regain his positional stance allowing him to parry the oncoming shot which fell firstly back to Brooks and then Wright. The latter rolling the ball just wide.

2 subs in quick succession from Mark Fell with Ryan Ellison now taking his place on the pitch replacing Luke Thompson, and Jerome Wright being replaced with Harry Foulds.

As the game entered the final stages, it was looking like Blackburn were more likely to score the next goal, and had great chance to do just that as Ben Paton wriggled free in the box and got his shot away, only to be foiled by the Rammy keeper. He didnt have to wait long though, as within a minute another chance was presented to him, with another cross from the left searching out anyone who wanted to get their name on the scoresheet, Paton, this time, was not to be denied, and his glancing header flashed passed the stand in keeper. Ramsbottom 0 Rovers 3.

No other points of interest followed the 3rd goal, and as the referee brought proceedings to a close, anyone connected with Ramsbottom can surely take plenty of positves from the game despite the scoreline. The shape was good, the effort and commitment was there to see. The trialists who took part all looked comfortable, and certainly looked like they could all offer something.