Rams exit FA Vase at Sheffield
Skipper Macauley Wilson tussles for the ball as the Rams exit the FA Vase at Sheffield.
Ramsbottom United traveled over the Pennines to Dronfield, the current base for Sheffield FC, the self-proclaimed home of football on Saturday.
Sheffield FC have been playing since 1857, and the city sent four delegates to the Freemasons Tavern, London, in October 1863 – to inaugurate the Football Association and in turn the popular global game.
Rams started brightly with a couple of changes since their last outing with newcomer Alfie Atherton looking bright. Oscar Radcliffe produced a couple of driving runs, whilst Dylan Halford worked as hard as ever.
The real hero for was goalkeeper George Kenyon who was called into action on several occasions as the home seized upon Rams sloppiness at the back with seemingly endless waves of attacks.
Time and again the visitors gave the ball away, both in midfield and even more alarmingly in central defence, as the home crowd sensed a breakthrough to be imminent.
Rams enjoyed further let offs. Not least when the home centre forward was gifted the ball but managed to slice it over the crossbar when it seemed easier score.
It looked like Rams had fortuitously weathered the storm, but another home move saw plenty of blue shirts back with chances to clear. Instead, on forty minutes, they allowed a cross – which was nodded home gleefully at the far post by Leon Howarth and celebrated by teammates and scorer – and ignited the Sheffield crowd.
Surprisingly, Ramsbottom responded immediately. A ball down the centre led to a clever nod forward by Matt Dudley which set Atherton free. He showed composure in lifting the ball over the home keeper for the equaliser and to bring at least some cheer to the noisy Rams following.
Rams clung on to halftime but there was a feeling that there’s something dramatic that would have to change if they were to get anything out of the game.
The start of the second half saw Rams fashion a clear-cut chance with Atherton breaking free and firing a shot which was well blocked by the home keeper. Matt Dudley followed up but he planted the rebound wide.
The reprieve encouraged the Sheffield side, with Rams midfield guilty of aimless punts which caused no home concern at all. It was no surprise when Dan Forbes was hooked, more so when the energetic Halford made way.
It was to no avail as the home side also brough on fresh legs and the killer moment duly arrived on 72 minutes. A driven through ball found the Howarth in acres of space on the edge of the box. Amazingly no one closed him down as he produced a clever reverse spin and in the same sinuous movement fired high past Kenyon for a marvelous finish -and further encourage the home supporters.
It was no more than Sheffield deserved. They were faster to the ball and improved throughout the match whereas Rams got steadily worse – ineffective in midfield and shaky in defence – with only isolated glimpses of what they’re capable of up front. The better team won and the only surprise was that the defeat was not much heavier.
Despite the warm response to the players by the Ultras, the Rams bowed out of the FA Vase with a whimper. Next week leaders Nelson will provide a stern test, and, on this evidence, a long hard winter is becoming an increasingly stark possibility.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Kenyon, Radcliffe, Gallagher, Sowerby, Wilson, Donlan, Collinge, Forbes, Dudley, Halford, Atherton Subs: Beck, Efunnuga, Lam, Omoruyi, McCann
GOALS: Alfie Atherton (42); Leon Howarth (40, 72)
ATT: 324
