RAMS PROGRESS IN THE VASE
Tom Hoyle set the Rams on their way against Euxton Villa.
Back to the Riverside for the third time in a week and Euxton Villa comprised the opposition in the FA Trophy.
It is a competition highly regarded at the Riverside with Steve Wilkes playing at advanced stages as player and a manager and no surprise therefore that the Rams put out a strong side to counter the threat from a team going well in the division below.
The first 20 minutes were even, with the visitors attractive passing style aimed at releasing their right winger, Vaughn Green, who threatened on several occasions. The home side however kept their shape, with September’s joint player of the month, Maine Walder, filling any gaps, allowing Harvey Hayhurst to maraud forwards whenever possible.
Euxton, clad in Orange, were unlucky after thirty-seven minutes when an incisive move from the left saw them cut inside and produce a shot which smashed against Brad Rose’s post, before being cleared to safety; a let off for the home side.
The Rams were themselves picking up momentum with some fine, intricate movement. Their front two play in different styles, with Oumar Camara seeming to relish being closely marked, while strike partner Tom Hoyle – the other player of the month recipient – representing perpetual motion and a nightmare for defences to pin down.
The Rams increasingly began to seize control; and on forty minutes produced a move of absolute delight. Camara, with back to goal, received the ball about forty yards from goal and immediately backheeled the ball into the path of the alert Luke Sephton. He kept the momentum going with a short pass to find Tom Hoyle in the box about 10 yards out. Hoyle, in exceptional form, calmly stroked the ball into the corner of the net in front of the massed Rams supporters.
The masterpiece of a goal underscores the understanding that Sephton, Camara and Hoyle have developed during an intense start to the season, which leaves them five points clear at the top of the league.
Rams continued playing attractive football with Luke Sephton producing a ferocious snapshot a couple of minutes later which was heading into the top corner before producing a fine save from Lombard in the Euxton goal.
One nil at half time as the season’s anthem ‘in the summertime’ belted out from a largely short sleeved crowd – unusual given the advanced October dateline.
As the second half unfolded the Rams continue to play attractive football as, to their credit, did Euxton. There was also rather more menace to the play with a series of eye-watering challenges and Andy Teague enduring a running battle in various set pieces throughout the match. He took a gash above the eye, with blood streaming down his face; Teague however is made of stern stuff and returned looking even more formidable with halloween-style bandaging protecting the wound.
Rams were managing the game well with a series of chances going begging. With around ten minutes remaining, they won a free kick on the left-hand side was whipped in and headed goalwards by Camara. Lombard, the visitor’s impressive keeper, once more reacted instantly to push the ball over the top.
The reprieve proved short-lived as the streetwise Walder produced an in-swinging corner which found Camara stationed on the far post. He bided his time before heading the ball downwards and guiding it into the net for a deserved two-nil lead.
The closing minutes were well managed by the Rams. A series of substitutes brought on fresh legs with Wilkes only too aware of how hard the season has been for his players. Blue shirts seemed everywhere as the Rams turned on a masterclass of total passing football. There was a clever shot on the run from Oscar Radcliffe, Camara came close again, and Hoyle wriggled into the box as chances rained in on a tiring Euxton defence.
The Rams deserved this victory which takes the team into the next round. We’ll see what the draw may bring in what is already developing into the most enjoyable of seasons.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Radcliffe, Hayhurst (Khan 82), Teague, S Sephton, Walder, Tinker, L Sephton (McWilliams 71), Camara, Whyte, Hoyle (Cliffe 92) Not used: Ogunby, Meadowcroft
Att: 191
