STOCKPORT TOWN 0-1 RAMS

A cool second half strike from Matt Dudley and some sensational saves from goalkeeper Ryan Hamer were enough for the Rams to taste victory and progress into the next round of the FA Cup.

Both teams started the game a little gingerly with the home side trying to gauge their higher division opposition and Rammy getting a feel for the 4G surface. As the first half progressed the visitors began to see more of the ball and therefore, they started to create more chances.

The first real chance of the game came on 21 minutes when Maine Walder did superbly on the left flank to create some space for himself, the skillful left back found Martyn Jackson with a superb pass but the midfielder hit a tame effort and the keeper dealt with it no problem.

Ramsbottom had another good chance on 30 minutes when Harvey Whyte whipped a teasing ball into the box but a fantastic block denied Matt Dudley. The two sides went into the break level which was an honest reflection on how the first half panned out.

The Rams started the second 45 minutes on fire and just six minutes in they’d managed to break the deadlock. Martyn Jackson tried his luck from distance and after a deflection the ball fell to the feet of an on rushing Matt Dudley who slotted home with ease to put his side ahead.

On 57 minutes goalkeeper Ryan Hamer pulled off a sensational save from point blank range to keep the Rams in front. Stockport Town continued to pile on the pressure and they went close to leveling things up on 67 minutes but Mclaughlin saw his header sail over the bar.

The away side looked to be seeing out the game in a professional manner but the hosts ramped up the pressure once more on 87 minutes. Two close range efforts that looked like certain goals but somehow the hero of the match Ryan Hamer was able to deny them again to ensure that Ramsbottom ran out victorious.

A close game that looked as though it could have gone either way at times, but Rammy managed to get the job done and they progress into the next round and a trip to Mossley on Saturday 19th August.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Hamer, Radcliffe, Walder, Walker, Forbes (Gallagher), Black (c), Collinge, Jackson (Jenkins), Whittingham, Dudley, Whyte. Subs not used: Rigby, Lungenyi, Lockett, Chingwaro, Greenwood

Att: 159