Ramsbottom have finally ended there 404 day wait for an away win after a fantastic display against Bootle.
The Rams started the game with a real hunger pressing from the first whistle and keeping the ball brilliantly. Billy Hasler-Cregg had the first real chance for the visitors but his effort was just wide of the post. Rammy continued to create chances with no real reply from Bootle and they found the back of the net on 15 minutes when Ben Halfacre slotted home from close range, but the referee ruled it out for offside.
However, it wasn’t long before the away side did get the opening goal. Some fancy footwork from Leon Johnson allowed him the space to float a ball in and then a fabulous finish at the back post from James Murphy gave Ramsbottom a much deserved lead on 22 minutes.
The goal seemed to wake Bootle up as they hadn’t been at the races so far and they had chances come their way through Hodkinson and Peterson but neither could grab the leveler.
The Rams saw the first half out superbly, ensuring that the pace of the game was played at the speed that they wanted rather than what Bootle demanded.
As the second half began the hosts were massively on top and if it wasn’t for a wonderful save from Harry Turner and two heroic blocks from Kain Dean then the hosts would have taken the lead for sure. Rammy rode the wave of pressure and they then doubled their advantage on 52 minutes when Leon Johnson did extremely well to hold off his man to be able to poke home from close range.
Set 1 from @Bootle_FC 1-2 @RamsbottomUtd today in the @NorthernPremLge pic.twitter.com/PHxWr8FhdK
— Paul Moran (@paulmoran62) October 8, 2022
The hosts once again tried there best to create chances but the Ramsbottom back four were water tight and nothing looked like it could break through. However the building of pressure eventually broke the dam and Bootle did get one back through Holsgrove on 69 minutes.
It looked as though it was going to be a nervy ending to the game. Despite this Rammy didn’t show any signs of nerves as the match came to a close and they were sensational throughout. Each and everyone of the players chased and pressed for every ball. They were excellent in possession throughout playing some really attractive football as well as creating some wonderful chances and the lead could have been even larger by the end of the game.
The Rams thoroughly deserved the win and will look forward to continuing the good run of form on Saturday 15th October against Skelmersdale at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.
Photo: Paul Moran via twitter
