RAMS RESPOND WITH CHEADLE WIN
After a disappointing couple of defeats, it was imperative that the Rams turned the tide, and that’s exactly what they did, although the game will not live long in the memory.
Whilst the game flowed from end to end, there was a distinct lack of goalmouth action as both sides appeared to cancel each other out.
Indeed, it took until the 37th minute before the first real chance was created and the home side took full advantage.
A corner from the right was met with a firm header from Oscar Radcliffe, and the ball flew into the back of the net to give the Rams a slender lead.
The second half saw more opportunities created and the home side twice came close to extending the lead.
On 64 minutes, some fine work from Kuda Chingwaro created an opportunity for the winger but his effort was scooped off the line.
Then on 76 minutes, Matt Dudley fired in a delicious effort from just outside the box, but looked on as it agonisingly swept inches past the post.
Cheadle at that stage must have thought their luck was in, as they began to pile more pressure on the home defence. A number of balls into the box could have caused problems, but their forwards were unable to make the most of any chances, rarely troubling Ryan Hamer in the home goal.
The game entered a six minute period of time added on with the hosts still clinging on to that slender lead, but three minutes in, the three points were made safe when Conal Gallagher fired home a rocket of a shot from 20 yards that bulged the back of the Cheadle net.
Audible sighs of relief could be heard as the Rams finally clinched a win that they so desperately needed.
Whilst hardly the most entertaining of games, this was one where the result proved more important than the performance and will give the team confidence ahead of a trip to league-leaders Kendal Town on Saturday, before a rearranged local derby away to Prestwich Heys next Tuesday night.
Ramsbottom United: Hamer, Collinge, Walder(Jenkins 95mins), Walker, Radcliffe, Black, Ogunby(Lockett 95mins), Jackson(Gallagher 81mins), Dudley, Whyte(Whittingham 84mins), Chingwaro(Hayhurst 95mins)
Att: 213
