RAMS FIGHT BACK IN VAIN

Devastating for the Rams as they gallantly fought back from two goals down at Irlam on Saturday afternoon where Jacob Holland-Wilkinson’s 91st minute equaliser looked to have gained a deserved point, only for the home side to snatch all three 6 minutes later.

Ramsbottom United welcomed back club skipper Andy Teague who stepped into the side in place of Finlay Wallbank as the visitors donned their red and black change kit.

The Rams were soon chasing the game though, falling behind as Irlam, in all blue, took the lead following a passing move down the right which was prodded in by John Main.

Brad Rose had to be alert to keep out a snapshot soon after following a long punt as the Rams went in a goal down at the halfway stage.

Worse was to follow after the restart when an awkward bounce led to something of a defensive mix-up between Teague and Rose leaving Jack Mitchell to nip in and place a high lofted chip over the stranded keeper and into the net.

However, the Rams are made of stern stuff this season and started off on the comeback trail with a lifeline just after the hour mark.

An important high press gained possession before a smart passing interchange, and Teague’s neat backheel-flick, resulted in Richie Baker volleying home a fine effort into the bottom corner.

So, two-one to the home side who then attempted to manage out the game with their leisurely use of time.

It seemed the tactic had worked but there was to be a very remarkable finale.

One minute into injury time when a move down the right was played into the box and the in-form Jacob Holland-Wilkinson chested the ball down to slot past the keeper to drag the Rams level.

Although it appeared to have given the visitors a valuable draw, the ascendant Rams sensed there was still time to grab all three points from the encounter.

But there was to be a disappointing sting in the tail.

In the seventh minute of injury time, with the impetus appearing to be with the visitors, Irlam fashioned a clever passing move in and around the box which eventually deflected out to Toby Humpries. The late substitute fired a hard low shot through some defensive legs and past Rose to seal those points for the now jubilant home side.

A gallant effort following a slow start but a disappointing result after some fine recent performances.

Rams go again against Prestwich on Saturday.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Radcliffe, Hayhurst, Teague, Barlow, Winstanley, Baker, Holland-Wilkinson, Dudley, Whyte, Whittingham (Ogunby)   Not used: Stacey, Braganca, Cooper, Hopper

GOALS: Baker (64), Holland-Wilkinson (90+1);  Main (13), Mitchell (50), Humphries (90+7)

ATT: 186