REGULAR SEASON ENDS WITH A DRAW
Oscar Radcliffe volley’s in the Rams goal on the stroke of half time.
The returning Brad Rose proved to be the man of the match with a series of fine saves to earn his side a point, on an afternoon that otherwise proved testing for Steve Wilkes’ side. Oscar Radcliffe was on the scoresheet for the home side with a fine first half finish, whilst Brandon Barksi netted for Barlick.
With next weekend’s play off semi-final the priority for Rammy, it was no surprise to see ample changes made to the eleven beaten by Chadderton last weekend. Rose returned between the sticks in place of Andre Mendes, while three further changes were made outfield. David Lynch, Rhys Turner and Rob Wilson replaced Tom Walker, Harvey Whyte and Tom Hoyle.
Large parts of the first half came with little opportunity for either side. Rammy lacked their usual flair that has come to symbolise the season with the away defence standing resolute to the challenge of facing a side that has spent all season in the top five. In fact, despite starting the game in just 17th place, it was Barlick that appeared far stronger on the ball.
Making the most of a rare off day from the Rams, the visitors should had found the net in the 34th minute. Latching onto an Andy Hill pass, Will Proctor sent an effort an inch wide of the post. The visitor’s endeavour was unmatched however and they nearly took the lead moments later. First, Lewis Farmer’s shot was beaten away by Rose, then from the subsequent corner only the post denied a James Ormrod header.
In first half added time however, it was the Rams that struck first. Oscar Radcliffe latched onto a Maine Walder corner kick, leaving Jack Howard shell shocked in the away goal. Despite playing the first half on the back foot, Rammy went into the half time break with a slender lead.
The second half began in similar vein to the first. Barlick saw most of the ball and created numerous opportunities. Rose, however, was on fine form and kept the home side in the game. The attacking duo of Oliver Roberts and Will Proctor proved tough to handle all afternoon and threatened on numerous occasions.
In the 57th minute, Roberts’ free kick from distance was well saved, before the number 11 hit a long-range effort wide of the mark.
The best moment of the game came on the hour mark. A fine cross from the left wing found an unmarked Proctor in the middle. As the ball looked set to hit the net, Rose produced a moment of magic, brilliantly tipping the ball onto the post. Having been missing from the side since Christmas due to injury, it appeared as if he had never been away.
Unfortunately for Rose, his luck would end in the 77th minute as Barnoldswick eventually drew level. Rising higher than any player on the pitch, the number six Brandon Barski latched on to a free-kick from the right to find the net with a fine header. As the away side celebrated with their plethora of fans behind the goal, the goal was the least Stephen Pickup’s side deserved.
Now pushing hard for a late winner, Proctor came close again with a volley that Rose again kept out. For the home side, Wilkes rang the changes throughout the half, yet carving out a clear cut chance proved difficult.
Substitute Harvey Whyte tried his luck which came to no avail, while Oumar Camara’s free kick was easily beaten away by Jack Howard.
Having already sealed a third place finish, a drop off in quality was to be expected. At the end of a hard fought league campaign, Ramsbottom end the season with 97 points, a club record, 10 clear of fourth place Padiham.
The two teams will contend a playoff semi final next Saturday at the HWRS, 3pm kick off.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Radcliffe, Walder, Lynch (Whyte 84), Barlow, Matthews, Baker (Walker 69), Wilson (Stacey 69), Camara (L. Sephton 77), Turner (Hoyle 77), Hayhurst
Att: 262
