OTS – 25th NOVEMBER
Another Saturday so another look back at events in our non-league history – and today is Saturday 25th November.
2017 – GOOLE 1 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League North Division
(match report by Jon Haslam)
Hopes were high for a return to something of the form that saw the Rams near the top of the NPL North table in mid-September under manager Mark Fell after they collected a win at Bamber Bridge the previous week and travelled to rock bottom Goole in search for another three points.
The Bamber Bridge victory was a third win in the last 10 league games and the Rams had slid down into mid-table so getting on a good run of results would arrest that crash in form. Yeah ok then!!!
The Rams made one change to the starting line-up with Sam Heathcote starting in a central striking role in place of the injured Zama.
It was the visitors that began the contest more confidently but fell behind with just six minutes on the clock when a hopeful looping cross from Stewart from the right hand side landed in the arms of Rams keeper Danny Taberner, who appeared to take a step backwards before the linesman judged that the ball had crossed the line and in bizarre circumstances, the hosts took the lead much to the surprise of all in attendance.
The early strike appeared to give Goole an uplift in confidence as on 20 minutes a well struck drive from the edge of the penalty area tested Taberner who saved comfortably.
The Rams responded shortly afterwards with two efforts on goal themselves, firstly Eddie Moran won the ball in midfield before striding forward and testing home stopped Saynor before Dean Stott’s shot from a similar distance again brought the Goole keeper into action.
Goole almost doubled their lead on the half hour mark when another swirling cross struck the Rams crossbar before hitting the back of Taberner and rolling narrowly past the post for a corner.
The Rams almost restored parity when Jacques Kpohomouh’s well struck shot thumped the woodwork with the home keeper motionless as the away side looked to find a way back into the contest as a disappointing first half drew to a close with Goole holding a narrow advantage.
Greg Daniels replaced Ben Richardson at the break and it was Ramsbottom that started the brighter with skipper Stott firing a shot at goal which kissed the outside of the post with Saynor beaten whilst Jerome Wright found space out wide before his cross found Sam Heathcote whose outstretched boot couldn’t divert the ball goalwards.
As the game was reaching the 65 minute point, Grant Spencer entered the fray at the expense of Brad Roscoe as the Rams looked for some extra creativity in the final third with Goole looking to protect their advantage and play on the counter attack.
The final change of the match saw Tom Brooks replacing the cautioned Stott with just over 15 minutes remaining and as the temperatures were dropping, the hopes of a Rams equaliser appeared to be leaning towards more hope that expectation.
A flurry of bookings for both sides didn’t help the flow of the match which too often was punctuated by the referee’s whistle but with the 90 minutes almost played, the Rams created their best opportunity when the ball fell to Greg Daniels eight yards out but his well hit shot sailed wide of the post.
The final whistle came and the home fans celebrated only their second victory in 20 league games. From the Rams perspective, it was a match and performance best forgotten as they fell to their sixth away loss in seven league outings.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Taberner, Roscoe (Spencer 63mins), K.Brownhill, Stott (Brooks 76mins), Thompson, Kpohomouh, Dean, Moran, Heathcote, Richardson (Daniels 45mins), Wright. Subs not used: Meaney, Rother.
2006 – RAMSBOTTOM UNITED v FLIXTON
MATCH POSTPONED
It was a blank weekend for the Rams as a waterlogged pitch cost us the home game with Flixton.
Striker Carl Lomax was due to make his debut following his switch from Rossendale United and manager Lee Sculpher added “hopefully he will bring the finishing touch.
“In the past, he’s had a very good scoring record and we hope that continues with us.”
Anthony Johnson is out with a shoulder injury while Lee Cryer (dead leg) and Chris Nestor (ankle) were both doubtful for the game.
2000 – RAMSBOTTOM UNITED v CLITHEROE
MATCH POSTPONED
The Rams managed to get a game in during midweek, thrashing Colne 5-1 in the Lancashire FA Trophy which was just the second game during the month of November.
This Saturday was go the way of all of the previous three Saturday’s and was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The match in the North West Counties Challenge Cup would be re-arranged for the Tuesday night following and that didn’t happen either. It was a very wet November!
