Never mind the mint cake, could this Tuesday evenings jolly to the lovely market town of Kendal prove to be just the treat?

KENDAL TOWN 1 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 2

Parkside Road, Kendal
Pitching In Northern Premier League Division 1 West
Tuesday 24th August 2021
Attendance: 125

It would have to be a good one, after news filtered through tonight that fan favourite and experienced central midfielder Richie Baker was moving over to join Sefton Gonzales, Gary Stopforth and co at league rivals Clitheroe FC (READ ABOUT THAT HERE ….) . Heavens to Betsy!

The starting lineup remained strong but a slightly experimental one, with Dahrius Waldron pushed up into midfield (perhaps in an attempt to solidify a little) and Danny O’Brien switching flanks to fill in at right back in place of young Owen Collinge.

Tom Stewart remained in goal (despite the five conceded at Barnoldswick in the cup) and James Murphy was rewarded with a starting berth following some impressive substitute appearances on the left wing. We also had two new names through the spine of the team – central midfielder Jacob Phillips and centre back Steve Hoy.

Ramsbottom enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and looked in confident mood but no chances (of note) really materialised.

Jake Thompson again starting brightly but nothing seemed to be quite coming off for him. Both he and Domaine Rouse seem to have that knack of creating and finding space at the minute though which can only be a plus where Rammy are concerned, and Eddie Cooper worked tirelessly in support.

The only way Kendal seemed like they were going to hurt Rammy was in playing long balls over the top to one of their speedy forwards, as the Rams were playing quite a high line – this made much of our play positive and we did dominate the ball, but perhaps it did leave us a little open to the counter.

For the most part (aside one clear chance for the home side when they struck wide when completely clean through), the defence coped admirably and dealt with anything that was thrown their way – a strong contrast to the Barnoldswick game thankfully!

After a few worrying moments with both Will Hall and Thompson picking up injuries, both were fine to continue and we went in at half time at 0-0, after enjoying the best of the play but not enough real opportunities – there was one clear chance to head in a peach of a corner but that one unfortunately decided to escape everyone!

Second half we seemed to turn up the pressure, and both the team and Jake as an individual got their just rewards, as he controlled a Waldron through ball and put it away in the bottom left corner.

He was somewhat unlucky not to come away with the match ball after that, as twice further he positioned himself perfectly to run powerfully onto two more through balls, but the first one he put wide, and the second he couldn’t send round the onrushing keeper.

James Murphy however grabbed a difficult to believe second to put the result in little doubt – surprising the Kendal goalkeeper from out wide. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean that!” was the overwhelming consensus from the stands – whether he did or he didn’t, get in!!!

A strong final ten minutes for Kendal and a consolation goal from Chris Wraighte couldn’t take the gloss off of this one – Rams first win the season (phew!) and a new found sense of optimism as we bundled out of Parkside Road and headed onwards for the late night journey home.

Kendal is a wonderful venue for an enjoyable away day for anyone, and it certainly was a treat.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Tom Stewart, Danny O’Brien, Tom Kennedy (capt), Steve Hoy, Will Hall, Eddie Cooper, Jake Thompson, Jacob Phillips (Jamie Rainford 60), Domaine Rouse, Dahrius Waldron, James Murphy (Ethan Beckford 75). Subs not used: Tom Glover, Owen Collinge, Joel Earps
GOALS: Jake Thompson (51), James Murphy (66)