RAMS BLANK AS BURSCOUGH EDGE IT
Sam Turner’s 36th minute free kick was enough for Burscough to take all three points.
Ramsbottom’s struggles in front of goal continue as Sam Turner’s 36th minute free-kick sealed all three points for Burscough. The defeat leaves the Rams looking over their shoulder as just two points now separate the four play-off positions.
Following a run of three consecutive home games in which the Rams garnered a meagre four points. It was time to hit the road again with a trip to West Lancashire.
The rather raw and still developing ground at Burscough holds happy memories for the visiting supporters – hosting a six nil away win last year and also the Rams ratchet up an eight nil win earlier this season albeit against tenants City of Liverpool.
Burscough, former winners of the FA Vase, are much improved this time out.
A rather scrappy opening saw both teams struggle to gain the upper hand with plenty of hard work and endeavour, but the final pass was often lacking. The Rams, in red and black, were forced to battle for everything in a tentative opening period.
Eventually composure began to kick in, and a rare flowing move led to Hayhust feeding Holland-Wilkinson who fired just over the bar from the edge of the box.
The green shirted home side responded. Urged on by a cantankerous and noisy home bench they battled hard and produced dangerous movement up front. Struggling to contain it, the Rams conceded a foul in a dangerous position on the edge of box. After what seemed an age and with the Ultras’ nerves jangling, Sam Turner’s free kick was fired hard and low to beat the wall and ‘keeper Rose low to the left and give the home side the lead.
Stung, the Rams responded, but forward passes were often delivered in the air rather than the balls to feet relished by top scorer Jacob Holland-Wilkinson. Frustration continued as a forward move eventually led to a header in the box with an appeal a penalty appeal waved away.
A goal down on a cold grey day at the interval but the chance to regroup and listen to the manager and coach.
The advice appeared to get through as the ball was brought down and the Rams tempo increased but the home side were equal to it. They responded with constant movement, buzzing around the Rams box and with the labouring visitors struggling to break out.
When they did, flashes of early season form were in evidence as fine link up play led to a powerful Holland- Wilkinson strike just wide of the target.
The Ultras urged their team forwards, they responded by winning an advanced free kick. The ball was whipped in, and just needed a touch for an equaliser as it agonisingly evaded the far post.
Rams followed up with a surging run from the back line opening the Burscough defence. It resulted in a corner, cleared corner off the line and away, as they sought a way back.
With the vising fans calling for him, the returning Harvey Whyte appeared off the bench, and the Rams reacted by creating another great chance. Harvey Hayhurst jinked into the box before firing just wide of the post.
At the other end Burscough still posed a threat and Brad Rose was forced to make a smart save as the home side pressed for a killer second goal. They followed up with further dangerous movement, hitting the bar and firing the rebound over as it became the Rams’ turn to defend. Rose soon after reacting well again to keep out a hard low shot as the clock ticked down.
Burscough were managing out the game- but there was a palpable reaction as the youthful announcer indicated seven minutes of injury time.
The Ultras responded and urged their team on. Prompted by Maine Walder, another chance was created with a dangerous cross from Rams left headed away from the danger zone after an age in the box and with red shirts well placed to capitalise.
It was not to be. The home side held firm and the afternoon ended in defeat. Any hopes of the title have receded into distance with the less attractive prospects of the play-offs ahead.
But with rivals making up ground even that prospect needs an uptick in form as the early season swagger diminishes into memory, especially with tricky away trips to come at AFC Liverpool and FC St Helens.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Hayhurst, Thompson, Walder, Jeanne (McCann), Wilson, Baker, Walker (Cummings), Dudley, Holland-Wilkinson, Cross-Adair (Whyte) Not used: Braganca, Stacey
GOALS: Sam Turner (36)
ATT: 253
