MILESTONE DOUBLE FOR HAYHURST
A goal in each half to mark Harvey Hayhurst’s 100th Ramsbottom United appearance.
The visitors, wearing a rather retro 1990s Liverpool kit with stripes on the shoulder and shorts, battled from the outset did well to prevent any early Rams breakthrough. The first quarter of the match was rather scrappy with the ball in the air and bouncing around with Liverpool matching the home team’s work rate and endeavour and fans wondering whether a tricky afternoon may lie ahead.
Any apprehension proved unfounded however as the Rams midfield started to bring the ball down and wrest the initiative with accurate ground passing – with moves straight from the training ground – linking Walker, Baker, Sephton and Wallbank. Rams began to create space for Radcliffe and Hayhurst, who were as free running as ever and with Walder and Wallbank confidently stepping out from defence as the team bristled with intent.
The breakthrough came from a corner. The Rams were quick to the second ball and, as the corner was played short, it looked as though the visitors had regained the ball but Rams swarmed around them to win it back. Eventually it came through to Maine Walder, lurking on the edge of the box; Walder took aim and fired it past the impressive Ben Barnes to give the Rams a deserved lead and delight the home supporters.
As the half unfolded the Rams stuck with their effective passing game and it was no surprise when the second goal arrived.
Again, it came from a corner from which Rams moved the ball around the box – with Rob Henry’s coaching drills in evidence as blue shirts pinged the ball around the box before teeing up Harvey Hayhurst. His volley on the edge finding the bottom corner to give the Rams a healthy half time scoreline.
Two goal leads haven’t always led to success for the Rams this season, but any lingering doubts were allayed as early as the second minute after the restart. Hayhurst escaped down the touchline on the left and swung in a deep cross which was controlled by Jacob Holland-Wilkinson. The confident striker had no hesitation in crashing the ball high into the net for Rams third and maintain an impressive start – which has already made him a firm crowd favorite.
Rams were playing exhibition football at times but couldn’t discount the visitors’ threat. An isolated raid saw them on the counter attack drive forwards to strike Brad Rose’s post.
Rams continued to press and the fourth goal when it arrived was a lovely move. Harvey Hayhurst, enjoying his 100th club appearance, motored into the box before producing a hard angled shot across the keeper which nestled inside the far post. Minutes later Hayhurst made way to prolonged applause with two goals and an assist as Steve Wilkes ensured his match winning contribution was recognised.
Further substitutions marked the closing minutes of the game as the Rams lost rhythm but gave valuable minutes to returning players not least to skipper Andy Teague.
Deep into injury time AFC Liverpool did find a way through to blemish any much-cherished clean sheet through a breakaway move saw the ball once more hit the right-hand post but this time there was to be no reprieve for Rose and the defence as the follow up was fired in by Elliott Taylor – who was hurt in the process.
The supporters enjoyed total football fully underlining the Rams’ strong position as second in the table with nineteen points from eight games. The auguries are positive for what promises to be a most intriguing season with all the twists and turns ahead. And a home fixture against Stockport Town next Saturday.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Radcliffe, Hayhurst (Teague), Wallbank (Winstanley), Barlow, Walder, Baker (Whyte), Holland-Wilkinson (Turner), Sephton (Stacey), Dudley, Walker
GOALS: Walder (39), Hayhurst (45+1, 79), Holland-Wilkinson (46); Taylor (90+2)
ATT: 275
