RAMS BOUNCE BACK WITH IOM WIN

Youth graduate Lucas Braganca scores his first senior goal for the club.

FC ISLE OF MAN 1

Being a Ramsbottom United supporter has been something of a white-knuckle ride in recent years. In mid-week the home side had been knocked out of the world’s oldest football competition, the FA cup, despite holding a two-nil lead in the third minute of injury time.

The Isle of Man made the journey across the Irish Sea for a league fixture where last season both teams curiously managed to win on opposing territory. This time around Rams have made a solid start to the week with ten points already garnered.

The match started brightly with both teams going forwards. A cross into the box on ten minutes was met by blue-shirted Matt Dudley who headed along the line rather than in. Midfielder Corey Stacey, acting as a false nine, followed up with a powerful header worthy of a true centre forward and, although cleared, the assistant and referee agreed it was fully over line. To the visitors’ dismay and home supporters’ delight the goal was given, and Rams had the breakthrough.

The Isle of Man, undaunted and playing in a multicolored red, black and white striped kit, settled into a deep lying and counter attacking style to produce a probing ball down the left. A low cross to the edge of the goal area found Brad Rose exposed and, although he rushed out, Charlie Higgins calmy side-stepped him and coolly rolled the ball into the net for the equaliser.

As the half developed both teams continue to play attractive football. With the Rams enjoying long periods of controlled possession and with defenders patiently building from the back and waiting for gaps to emerge.

On 37 minutes, Maine Walder drove into the left -side of the box at pace and as the angle appeared to tighten, remained calm and produced a delightful, curled finish which nestled inside the far post to the joy of the fans behind and to restore the Rams lead.

Half-time arrived with the crowd enjoying the atmosphere and the quality of the game. The restart however saw proceedings become more attritional with the ball in the air and a series of yellow cards brandished.

The Isle of Man continued to create chances, and it looked as though they had fashioned an equaliser as a clever through- ball was finished well, but an offside decision reprieved the home side as cheers of the Rams supporters replaced those from the visitors.

Richie Baker made his 700th overall football appearance and was using all his experience to dictate the pace and pattern of play and was always available for a pass as he encouraged the team. Baker’s captaincy meant he could engage with referee Dowell. Unfortunately for him, he vented rather too forcibly for Mr. Dowell’s liking, and received a ten-minute ‘sin bin’ to reflect on on his actions on 70 minutes.

Rather than sit back and guard their slender lead the Rams continued to press and a few minutes later a deep free kick was driven in at pace by Terry Cummings. It located Luke Barlow, whose deft back-flicked header guided the ball past Ben Wilkinson and in to give the Rams 3-1 lead.

The smart finish caused Barlow pain, and he required treatment but was able to continue as the ultras celebrated with their collection of songs including last season’s ‘summertime’ anthem as they enjoyed their team’s attractive passing style of play.

Rams haven’t always finished strongly when taking a lead, but Steve Wilkes was able to turn to the bench with a series of substitutes, including bringing on Whittingham and Braganca.

Having served his punishment Baker appeared back on the field as the Rams looked to finish with a flourish. The impressive Walder advanced down the left and his low cross into the box was controlled by Gonzales with his back to goal. Unselfishly he rolled it back to Lucas Braganca, had made up ground and in support and showed no hesitation in hammering the ball low and hard past Wilkinson for Rams fourth.

The powerful strike was Braganca’s first goal for the club, and judging by the delight etched on his face, one he clearly cherished.

Overall, the scoreline slightly flattered the home team as the Isle of Man, posed a real threat at times but, after FA cup disappointment, the team showed resilience. They joined the fans at the end with high fives and with fist bumps in joint celebration.

There is an important away fixture at Padiham on Monday but temporarily at least, the Rams go top of the nascent table.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Radcliffe (Braganca), Walder, Wallbank, Barlow, Winstanley (Matthews), Baker, Holland-Wilkinson (Cummings), Stacey, Dudley (Gonzales), Walker (Whittingham)

GOALS: Corey Stacey (10), Maine Walder (35), Luke Barlow (73), Lucas Braganca (90+2); Charlie Higgins (21)

ATT: 254