FOUR-SOME DISPLAY BY THE RAMS
Josh Tinker and Harvey Whyte celebrate another three points from the Rams trip to Liverpool.
Goals from Corey Stacey, Tom Hoyle, Harvey Whyte and Oumar Camara secured all the three points as the Rams tightened their grip on third place in the league table. Now seven points clear of fourth place Padiham with only four league games to play, Rammy can begin to prepare for life in the play offs with a spring in their step.
Five changes were made to the side that held off playoff contenders West Didsbury and Chorlton last weekend in a 1-0 win. Glenn Matthews replaced Harry Winstanley at centre back, while changes aplenty came in the attacking areas. Stacey, Camara, Josh Tinker and Rob Wilson replaced Tom Walker, David Lynch, Luke Sephton and Whyte in the starting eleven.
On the banks of the River Mersey both teams came flying out of blocks. The astro turf pitch allowed for an increased tempo to the game with both teams moving the ball with real gusto. Both sides exchanged numerous chances in the opening moments.
For South Liverpool, Elliott Owen struck a low cross into the hands of Andre Mendes while at the other end, Hoyle’s volley from the edge of the area whistled over the bar. Lee Hughes also came close to the opener.
In the 15th minute however, it was Ramsbottom who took the lead through midfielder Stacey. His shot from the six-yard area brushed past Liverpool keeper Lucas Allan.
Despite sitting in 20th place in the table with a potential relegation looming, South Liverpool played with much quality in the midfield areas and huge endeavour in the attack. First, a corner kick nearly flew directly into the net, with only Mendes’ fingertips keeping out a certain equaliser.
Josh Tinker picked up a booking after one foul too many in the 29th minute, before Charlie Glennon’s shot from distance was claimed by Mendes.
As the half drew to a close, Wilkes’s side got the game back under control and nearly doubled their lead through Camara. After a nice interchange of play between Hoyle and Maine Walder down the left-hand side, Camara’s eventual shot trickled wide of the post.
The first half ended with the game firmly in the balance.
The second 45 minutes showed why Rammy are still in the hunt to win the league title. A brilliant attacking display saw three goals scored and three well earned points.
In the 51st minute Hoyle doubled the lead after fine work by striker Camara. The number nine proved to be the greatest threat in the second half causing havoc for Martin Ryman’s side. Shortly after Hoyle’s finish, Camara appealed for a penalty kick, but referee Craig Andrews waved away the appeals.
Looking to kill off the game, Harvey Hayhurst also tried his luck, yet Lucas Allan was firmly behind the strike. In the 81st minute, Camara got his just rewards winning a penalty that substitute Harvey Whyte converted.
As the game ran to its conclusion, Camara was on target for his 13th goal of the season, earning Rammy a well-deserved fourth goal. This their game in hand on rivals Bury, Lower Breck and Padiham, Rammy can still conceivably win the league outright, however, will need some much deserved luck along the way!
Manager Steve Wilkes was a happy man after the game: “A thoroughly professional performance from start to finish,” he enthused.
“To make five changes from the starting eleven on Saturday and win so convincingly, shows the depth and quality we have in the squad. Apart from them hitting the cross-bar at 2-0, we dominated from start to finish.”
He applauded the travelling supporters, “A special mention to the fans who travelled over to Liverpool on a Wednesday night. Once again they’ve done the lads proud.
“We now move on to another tough game on Saturday away at Prestwich”.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Mendes, Radcliffe, Hayhurst, Matthews, Barlow, Walder(Turner 71”), Stacey(Baker 82”), Tinker(Lynch 73”), Camara, Wilson(Whyte 66”), Hoyle(Ogunby 86”)
Att: 177
